Newsroom

Current Releases

Recent REI press releases are listed below. Click on the title for the full text of each release. Previous year's releases can be found in our archive section. Media queries regarding REI may be directed to Public Affairs at (253) 395-5958.

REI Snow Report Relaunches with Updated Functionality for iPhone Users
Free Mobile Application Provides Instant Ski Resort Access

November 18, 2009 —As outdoor enthusiasts everywhere eagerly anticipate a bountiful winter season, the updated REI Snow Report is poised to help iPhone users know where to head for the best conditions for their skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing adventures. The free application is a result of a partnership between REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), the national outdoor gear and apparel retailer, and Zumobi, a leading mobile media company that develops and publishes branded applications for next-generation smartphones on the Zumobi Network.

REI Round Rock and Lincoln Park Stores Awarded LEED® Gold Rating by USGBC

October 27, 2009 — REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), the national outdoor gear and clothing retail cooperative, today announced that its stores in Round Rock, Texas and Lincoln Park, Ill. have been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification for Commercial Interiors from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

REI Holds Twinkie® Roasts to Beckon Mother Nature for a Hearty Snowfall

October 14, 2009 — National outdoor gear and apparel retailer REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) today held the first of many Twinkie Roasts across the country, a quirky annual employee event to beckon Mother Nature to provide a hearty snowfall on behalf of snowsports lovers everywhere.

REI Adventures Announces New Trips for 2010

September 30, 2009 — REI's award-winning travel company, REI Adventures, known for guiding groups through iconic destinations around the world, announces its new action-packed adventures for 2010. As with all REI Adventures, the new trips blend education, action and unforgettable experiences in some of the world's most exotic locales.

Novara Announces 2010 Bicycle Line

September 23, 2009 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), today announced its 2010 line of Novara-brand bicycles during the Interbike International Bike Expo, the largest bicycle tradeshow in North America. The new line includes a variety of pavement and mountain bicycles targeted to all types of riders from beginner to advanced, and for almost any terrain from rails-to-trails to city streets.

REI Statement on "Prize Winning Payout" Scam

September 22, 2009 — A company falsely identifying itself as REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) recently launched a scam sweepstakes claiming that individuals have won a "Consumer Promotion Drawing."

EarthTeam Environmental Network Receives Grant from REI Foundation to Connect Youth to Nature

September 11, 2009 — EarthTeam Environmental Network today announced a $14,000 grant provided by the REI Foundation, a private foundation supported by the national outdoor gear and apparel retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI).

REI's Annual Stewardship Report Highlights Co-op's Social and Environmental Work

September 8, 2009 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, has released its third annual stewardship report that provides an evaluation of the co-op's social and environmental efforts in the 2008 calendar year.

REI Names Ivar Chhina New Chief Financial Officer

September 3, 2009 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) today announced Ivar Chhina has been named the company's chief financial officer.

REI Reappoints Jose Ignacio Lozano and Brenda Davis to Board of Directors

August 25, 2009 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced the reappointment of Jose Ignacio Lozano and Brenda Davis to one-year terms on the company's board of directors.

REI Gear & Apparel Announces Spring 2010 Line
Comfort, Value and Innovation are Keys for the Season

July 21, 2009 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national outdoor gear and clothing retailer, today announced its spring 2010 line of exclusive REI-brand gear and apparel, during the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market tradeshow.

REI Reduces Environmental Footprint through Energy Investments
Outdoor Retailer Focuses on Power Generation, Renewable Sources and Reduction

July 7, 2009 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), the national outdoor gear and clothing retail cooperative, today announced multiple stewardship investments the co-op is integrating in 2009 to further reduce its impacts on the environment. These strategic efforts focus on solar energy, renewable power sources and energy reduction measures, and help the company progress towards its goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2020.

Statement by Sally Jewell, REI President and CEO about Obama and Salazar actions to get Americans outdoors

June 17, 2009 — Sally Jewell, President and CEO of Recreational Equipment, Inc (REI), today issued a statement.

REI Foundation News Release: National Audubon and REI Foundation Announce Grant for Nature Center Programming in Latino Community

June 15, 2009 — The National Audubon Society and the REI Foundation today announced the funding of a significant program that will allow Audubon to study its existing offerings and community collaborations and design future nature programs that better support the needs and interests of culturally diverse individuals and families.

REI Foundation News Release: $100,000 Grant to New York Restoration Project, Sustainable South Bronx, Solar One and Mount Sinai Center for Children's Environmental Health

June 12, 2009 — Today four of New York City's most respected environmental organizations - New York Restoration Project (NYRP), Solar One, Sustainable South Bronx (SSBx) and Mount Sinai Center for Children's Environmental Health - launched the NYC Green Stops Partnership, a citywide campaign aimed at connecting the city's 2 million youth and their families with the outdoors and nature.

REI Launches Bike Your Drive iPhone App
Easy online app lets riders track their progress and share their trip

June 8, 2009 — REI is launching the Bike Your Drive mobile iPhone application, a free interactive tool that helps cyclists track, view, and share their bicycling experiences. It's available through the Apple iPhone app store or by visiting: www.rei.com/bikeyourdrive#bikesGear

REI to Outfit Richmond through New Store at West Broad Village

May 29, 2009 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to open a new store in Richmond, Va. at West Broad Village in November of 2009.

Ready, Set, Go Outside with REI's Passport to Adventure!
Free Program Provides the Tools to Get Kids into the Outdoors

May 11, 2009 — With summer fast approaching, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national outdoor retailer, invites children and their families to explore the outdoors together with Passport to Adventure. Launching today, the free program is designed for children aged five to 12 and encourages them to participate in at least one outdoor activity through the end of the year.

Find Out if the Road to Happiness Has a Bike Lane
REI Kicks Off the 2009 Bicycling Season

April 7, 2009 — Outdoor gear and apparel retailer, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), invites riders of all skill levels to join the self-propelled revolution. Whether riding your bike for short errands or for hundreds of miles, REI has the bicycles, accessories, tools, and certified bike experts ready to assist and inspire people to choose bicycles over their cars.

REI Announces 2009 Board Election Results at Annual Membership Meeting

April 1, 2009 — Outdoor gear and apparel retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) announced its 2009 board election results during its annual membership meeting held Monday, March 30 at the Seattle flagship store.

Bikes Belong Awards Five REI/BFC Grants

March 16, 2009 — Bikes Belong, in partnership with the League of American Bicyclists and with generous support from Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), is pleased to announce five REI/Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Grant Awards. These grants of between $10,000 and $20,000 have been awarded to grassroots groups that are working closely with their city governments to make conditions better for bicycling in aspiring and designated Bicycle Friendly Communities.

REI Recognized by Financial Times and JustMeans for its Comprehensive Stewardship Efforts Inaugural awards celebrate social and environmental innovation

March 12, 2009 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), the national outdoor gear and clothing retail cooperative, today announced that it received a 2009 Social Innovation Award by the Financial Times and JustMeans, in recognition of its social and environmental efforts.

American Camp Association Honors REI and Leave No Trace with 2009 Special Recognition Award for Youth Environmental Ethics Education Program

February 20, 2009 — The American Camp Association (ACA) is pleased to announce that the PEAK (Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids) program, a unique partnership between Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, has been awarded a 2009 Special Recognition Award.

REI Announces 2008 Revenues and Member Dividend; 2009 Business Projections Trigger Expense Cuts and Staff Reductions

February 11, 2009 — Outdoor retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), the nation's largest consumer cooperative, today announced 2008 sales of $1.4 billion, an increase of 6.9 percent from the previous year. Reflecting the challenging economic environment, the co-op's operating income for 2008 decreased to $73.6 million, down 31 percent from $106.5 million in the prior year. Net income of $14.5 million was down 65 percent from $41.4 million in 2007. The company's direct sales channel, which includes online and catalog sales, grew by 14.2 percent while comp store sales increased by 0.3 percent in 2008.

REI Boulder Awarded LEED® Gold Rating by the U.S. Green Building Council

February 5, 2009 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), the national outdoor gear and clothing retail cooperative, today announced that its prototype store in Boulder, Colo. has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

REI's Seattle Flagship Store Featured on ABCs "The Bachelor" February 2

January 29, 2009 — Outdoor retailer REI's Seattle flagship store is one of the backdrops for the anticipated Monday, February 2 episode of ABC's highly rated reality show "The Bachelor." As a top tourist destination in the Puget Sound region, the nearly 100,000 square-foot store was selected for a private "one-on-one date" to showcase the outdoor recreation interests of Jason Mesnick, the show's bachelor.

REI Introduced New Fall 2009 Gear & Apparel Line at Winter Outdoor Retailer Winter Market

January 29, 2009 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, announced its new lineup of exclusive gear and apparel during the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market tradeshow in Salt Lake City last week.

REI Announces 2008 Vendor Partner Award Winners

January 23, 2009 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, announced its 2008 vendor partner awards today at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market trade show. CamelBak Products, LLC, best known for their hydration backpacks and water bottles, received top honors as REI's Vendor Partner-of-the-Year.

REI Adventures Designated as one of 2009 "Best Adventure Companies on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure Magazine

January 22, 2009 — REI Adventures has been honored by National Geographic Adventure (NGA) magazine and was listed as one of the "2009 Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth." The adventure travel company is included in the top ten "Do-It-All" category.

REI Named to FORTUNE's "100 Best Companies to Work For" List

January 22, 2009 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, announced today that it ranked number 12 on FORTUNE magazine's 2009 list of "100 Best Companies to Work For."

New REI Halo Sleeping Bags Selected as National Geographic Adventure Magazine's 2009 Best of Adventure Award Winner

January 22, 2009 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, has been selected as a National Geographic Adventure (NGA) magazine 2009 "Best of Adventure Award" winner for its newly-introduced REI Halo (+25 F) sleeping bag series.

REI Adds bluesign Standard to its Product Sustainability Strategy

January 20, 2009 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced its membership with bluesign technologies ag allowing the company to use the bluesign independent standard as part of its product design and sourcing process.

Smartphone Users Hit the Slopes: Free Snow Reports Now Available From REI and Zumobi

December 15, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), the national outdoor gear and apparel retailer, and Zumobi, the innovative mobile media company, today announced the availability of the REI Snow Report, a free application that lets iPhone, Blackberry and Windows Mobile users get instant information about conditions at ski resorts and mountains in the United States, Canada, Europe and elsewhere. Available now as a free download, the REI Snow Report also provides one-touch access to REI's website, featuring winter sports products and helpful information on recreating outdoors.

REI's Shuksan and Kulshan Jackets Selected as 2008 Gear of the Year Award Winners

December 4, 2008 — The REI Shuksan (men's) and Kulshan (women's) jackets with eVent fabric have been selected as a top 10 Gear of the Year pick for 2008 by the GearJunkie.com. Additionally, the REI Shuksan has also been recognized as an award winner by Men's Journal magazine. The high-performance jacket is co-branded by REI and eVent, and is available nationwide at REI retail stores and online at rei.com.

Spandex Not Necessary - Common Bicycle Myths Debunked by REI's Online Resource

November 6, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) has launched www.rei.com/bikeyourdrive, an online resource created to inspire more people to cycle by exposing myths and breaking down common barriers associated with using a bicycle as an alternate means of transportation.

REI to Outfit Outdoor Adventurers through New Store in Oxnard, Calif.

October 28, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to open a new store in Oxnard, Calif. in the fall of 2009.

REI to Outfit East Hanover, N.J. Outdoor Enthusiasts through New Store

October 22, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to open a new store in East Hanover, N.J. in the fall of 2009.

REI Launches REIGoPlaylist.com to Put Music into the Ears of Snow Sports and Music Enthusiasts

October 14, 2008 — On Friday, Sept. 26, As winter approaches, outdoor enthusiasts everywhere are gearing up for the coming season. REI has launched REIGoPlaylist.com, a website offering the complimentary download of a 10-song playlist not found anywhere else, to inspire snow sports and music lovers alike.

REI's Second Green Prototype Store Opens September 26 in Texas

September 23, 2008 — On Friday, Sept. 26, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, opens its second prototype store that will test the performance of green building features, including state-of-the-art technology and environmentally friendly materials, and new retail design concepts.

REI Names Bill Baumann Vice President of Information Technology

September 2, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, announced today that Bill Baumann has joined the company as vice president of Information Technology (IT).

REI to Open a Store in Tucson, Ariz. at the Tucson Mall

August 26, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to open a new store in Tucson, Ariz. at the Tucson Mall in the spring of 2009.

REI Presented with National Geographic's Outdoor Geographic Awareness Award

August 21, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, has been honored by National Geographic Adventure magazine and National Geographic Maps in the first annual The Outdoor Geographic Awareness (TOGA) Awards. The company was recognized in the outdoor retailer category at the country's largest outdoor gear and apparel tradeshow recently held in Salt Lake City.

REI Appoints Jose Ignacio Lozano to Board of Directors

August 14, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced the appointment of Jose Ignacio Lozano to a one-year term to the company's board of directors.

REI Gear & Apparel Announces Spring 2009 Line

August 8, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced a broad lineup of REI-brand outdoor gear and apparel with a focus on backcountry, family camping and urban lifestyle that will be available to members and customers in Spring 2009. Additionally, the company announced its decision to use a European-based temperature rating methodology to aid in consumers' backpacking sleeping bag purchasing decisions.

REI's Annual Giving Efforts Focus on Connecting the Nation's Youth to Recreation and Stewardship Opportunities

August 8, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national gear and apparel retail cooperative, has dedicated a significant portion of its annual giving budget in support of local and national nonprofits that share the company's commitment to increase youth participation in outdoor recreation and the conservation of shared outdoor spaces.

REI Extends Commitment to Renewable Energy with Solar Power Investment

May 12, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to retrofit more than 10 percent of its stores with solar electric technology in 2008. Aligned with the co-op?s environmental priorities, REI?s commitment represents one of the largest solar investments for a specialty retailer in the country.

REI Invites Children to Get Outside This Summer with Kids' Passport to Adventure

May 12, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) invites children, adults and families to get active in the outdoors this summer with Kids' Passport to Adventure. Designed for children ages five to 12, the national program encourages kids to participate in at least one outdoor recreational activity, such as cycling, hiking, camping, kayaking and more.

REI to Outfit Las Vegas Outdoor Enthusiasts with New Store in Summerlin, Nev.

May 6, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to open a new store in Summerlin neighborhood of Las Vegas at Boca Park this fall.

REI Releases Second Annual Stewardship Report

May 5, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, has released its second annual stewardship report, providing a review of the co-op's social and environmental priorities and efforts in 2007. Available online at www.rei.com/stewardship, the report also recognizes opportunities for improvement against short and long-term aspirations.

REI Named "Employer of the Year" at the 2008 World Retail Congress

April 29, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), the outdoor retailer regarded for its quality gear and apparel, staff expertise, progressive business practices, and community and environmental efforts, was named the "Employer of the Year" at the 2008 World Retail Congress.

REI to Outfit Denver Outdoor Enthusiasts with New Store in Westminster, Colo.

April 8, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to open a new store in Westminster, Colo. at The Orchard Town Center in the spring of 2009.

REI's Board of Directors Promotes Four Corporate Officers

April 7, 2008 — The board of directors of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), the nation's leading retailer of quality outdoor gear and clothing, has promoted four of the co-op's corporate officers. Promotions were based on individual leadership and scope of responsibilities to help shape REI's strategies in support of the co-op's aspiration to serve outdoor enthusiasts 100 years from now and beyond.

REI Announces 2008 Board Election Results at Annual Membership Meeting that Celebrates 70th Anniversary

April 4, 2008 — Celebrating its 70th anniversary as a retail cooperative serving the gear and apparel needs of outdoor enthusiasts, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), announced its 2008 board election results during its annual membership meeting held March 31. The co-op also thanked Doug Walker for his service to the board of directors for the past 12 years.

REI Grants the Trust for Public Land $50,000 to Boost Railyard Park and Plaza Fundraising Campaign

March 26, 2008 — The New Mexico state office of The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has received a $50,000 grant from outdoor recreation gear and apparel retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) to support construction of a rainwater harvesting system for the Santa Fe Railyard Park and Plaza. The grant is being applied as the first major business gift in TPL's "Close the Gap" campaign to raise the remaining $1.2 million of the $13.5 million public space project.

REI to Open Second Pittsburgh Location at Settlers Ridge Town Center

March 19, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to open a second store in Pittsburgh in the spring of 2009 at Settlers Ridge Town Center.

Natural Resources Council of America Honors REI with Annual Corporate Stewardship Award

February 14, 2008 — The Natural Resources Council of America (NCRA) bestowed its Corporate Stewardship Award to Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) on Wednesday, February 13 for unparalleled corporate leadership in support of conservation programs in America.

REI Boulder Receives Chain Store Age's Retail Store of the Year Award for Environmental Sustainability

February 7, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, announced today that it won Chain Store Age's 2007 Retail Store of the Year award for Environmental Sustainability for its Boulder, Colo. prototype store.

REI Posts 2007 Revenues of $1.3 Billion and 8.2 Percent Comp Store Sales

February 6, 2008 — Outdoor retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), the nation's largest consumer cooperative, today announced its 2007 sales of $1.3 billion. The sales growth over 2006 represents an increase of 13.5 percent. In addition, REI's comp store sales showed continued strength in 2007 at 8.2 percent, marking three consecutive years of eight percent or higher.

REI Announces 2007 Vendor Partner Award Winners

January 25, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, announced its 2007 vendor partner awards today at the winter Outdoor Retailer trade show. Osprey Packs, Inc., best known for it high-performance outdoor gear, received top honors as REI's Vendor Partner-of-the-Year.

REI Unveils eVent™ fabrics Outerwear Collection

January 24, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) today announced its collaboration with eVent™ fabrics in the development of REI's new high-performance outerwear collection constructed with the revolutionary eVent three-ply waterproof breathable fabric.

REI's Eastern Region Distribution Center Certified LEED-Silver by the U.S. Green Building Council

January 24, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), the national outdoor gear and clothing retail cooperative, today announced that its new 525,000 square-foot building in Bedford, Pa. received the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for New Construction. The 43-acre distribution center is one of the largest green buildings and properties in the country.

REI to Outfit Members for Outdoor Adventures with New Store in Kennesaw, Ga.

January 23, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to open a new store in Kennesaw, Ga. this spring.

REI Named to FORTUNE's Best Places to Work List for Eleventh Consecutive Year

January 22, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), the outdoor retailer regarded for its quality gear, staff expertise, progressive business practices, and community and environmental efforts, announced today that it has again been honored by FORTUNE magazine as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America." Ranked as number 34 in the 2008 list, REI has been recognized as part of the "100 Best" list for 11 consecutive years.

REI Plans Spring Opening for New Store in Ann Arbor, Mich.

January 18, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to open a store in Ann Arbor, Mich. at Cranbrook Village this spring.

From Boulder to Round Rock - REI to Open Second Prototype Store

January 15, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced that Round Rock, Texas will be the second location for the company's prototype store initiative that aims to test retail design and green building concepts. Expected to open in the fall of 2008, the new store will complement the co-op's commitment to community involvement, environmental stewardship and providing a gateway to the outdoors.