2020
Impact
Report

The collective good a co‑op can do

REI is a different kind of company. As a co‑op, we put purpose before profits and act in the long-term interests of our members and community. Our Impact Report shows what we've done (with your support!) to help connect every person to the power of the outdoors and engage them in the fight to protect it.

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$2.75B

in co‑op sales during 2020

20 million

members, plus nearly 15,000 employees

$6.3M

invested in 400+ nonprofit partners

$112.4M

distributed in member rewards

2020 Highlights

An R E I member sits and drinks water in front of the water

Our climate commitment

REI achieved its 14‑year carbon neutrality commitment while launching an ambitious new climate platform that will see the co‑op more than halve its carbon footprint by 2030, even as the company anticipates future growth in size and revenue.
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A mother and daughter are on a walk on the beach

Advancing racial equity

As widespread protests erupted across the nation, the co‑op accelerated its ongoing work to advance racial equity within REI and the broader industry, while continuing to support organizations that are led by and serve underrepresented groups.
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A family hikes together

Introduced recreate responsibly guidelines

During the pandemic, many turned to time outside for physical and mental health benefits. REI co‑created the Recreate Responsibly coalition to establish clear guidelines on how to get outside and create an inclusive environment, while aiming to reduce the spread of the COVID‑19 virus and minimizing impact on outdoor places.
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A woman in an orange beanie smiles in a hammock

Product Impact Standards

Recognizing that the gear the co‑op makes and sells is one of its greatest opportunities to support better ways of doing business, REI launched new Product Impact Standards in 2020. These standards, which apply to both REI and its more than 1,000 brand partners, help fight climate change and advance equity in the industry.
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An R E I employee walks an order out to a customer's car

Focusing our business

The co‑op added new services like Curbside Pickup and virtual outfitting, while prioritizing the health and safety of its employees and customers. These innovations allowed the co‑op to support existing stores while opening 7 new ones, and finish the year strong.
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A man smiles looking down at his sleeping bag

Embracing the circular economy

Buying a piece of used gear, instead of new, avoids between 70 to over 90% of the carbon embedded in the new item, depending on the category. This includes accounting for the shipping, cleaning, and remerchandising of the used item. In 2020, the co‑op doubled online used gear sales, and launched a trade‑in program, allowing co‑op members to give new life to their gently used gear.
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2020 by the numbers

Because we're a co-op, we measure our success differently than most companies. For us, success means running a healthy business and making a positive impact on our employees, members and society.

Business

  • $2.75 billion in revenue
  • Opened 7 new stores and 2 used gear pop-ups
  • 100% carbon neutral in REI brands & operations

Society

  • $6.3 million contribution to nonprofits in 2020
  • 461 nonprofit partners

Members

  • 20 million members
  • $112.4 million distributed in member rewards

Employees

  • Nearly 15,000 employees
  • $36.4 million in employee retirement and incentives
  • Named a Glassdoor Best Place to Work

More ways we put our values into action

Two people trail run at sunset near Puget Sound

Fighting the climate crisis

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A woman smiles in her blue rain jacket and burgundy backpack

Product impact & circular commerce

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An example of our minimal packaging

Eliminating waste

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A glimpse inside a factory

Responsible sourcing

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Two women smile taking a break from their hike

Equity & inclusion outside

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Two people in the distance hike near Red Arches

Public lands & stewardship

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An R E I cashier in a green vest smiles

Building an inclusive workplace

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A group of people walking in a line in the rain on a beach

Partners in progress

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Eric Artz, R E I president and C E O

Harnessing the power of our
20 million members

Read Eric's letter

Archived Stewardship Reports

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