President's Message

2010: Thanks For Your Fantastic Support

Thank you for supporting us enthusiastically with your patronage in 2010—a year of slow recovery for our economy but a time when many people discovered or rediscovered the joys of outdoor recreation.

Our financial performance in 2010 reflects the hard work of our employees, rewarded by your confidence in us. As members of REI, you are both our owners and customers, enabling us to focus our resources on your interests. Based on our 2010 performance, we are returning $94 million to you in patronage refunds, retaining $30.2 million in net income to invest in our future, and supporting the great outdoors in your communities with $4.3 million in grants. We also welcomed 786,530 new members to our co-op. Detailed financials are at REI.com/financials.

Outdoor recreation is good for all of us, physically and mentally, yet the pace of our lives and competition for our time threaten to disconnect us from nature. As winter turns to spring, I encourage you to dust off your gear and get outside. Better yet, take young people with you and introduce them to the joys of nature. Beginning in May, pick up the REI Kids' Adventure Journal at an REI store or print it online, and join the Natural Families Network through childrenandnature.org.

Finally, I encourage you to support the outdoor places that are special to you with your stewardship, enjoyment, and by sharing your enthusiasm with our elected officials who oversee these important community assets.

Warmly,

Sally Jewell
President and CEO