2019
Stewardship
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. Our annual Stewardship Report shows what we’ve done (with your support!) to get more people outside, operate more sustainably, and protect and create access to outdoor places.




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$3.12B

in co‑op sales during 2019

19 million

members and growing and nearly 15,000 employees

$8.1M

invested in 427 non‑profits

$210.8M

distributed in member dividends

illustration of hands throwing green leaves

In 2019, REI invested in the future of the outdoors by giving back almost 70% of our profits.

Highlights

A stylized image of trash floating through space
Opt to Act Plan

Opt to Act

In 2019, we asked members and employees to not only #OptOutside on Black Friday, but opt to act—first by joining a nationwide clean-up effort, then by signing up for the 52-week Opt to Act Plan, which gives people small steps to reduce their environmental impact.
Learn more
Against a backdrop of green hills, a mixed-gender group relaxes in a circle, three in camp chairs, the fourth in a zipped-open REI Co-op brand tent.

Rentals & re-commerce

In 2019, we made it easier for everyone to get outside by offering rentals and recommerce (hand-selected used gear, available online or in-store). Which makes getting outside a little more sustainable by extending the usable lifespan of outdoor gear and clothing.
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Facing a sunset-lit landscape of rolling green hills and a distant lake, four people strike joyful poses, arms up, some of them jumping.

Health & nature

What’s the link between human health and time spent in nature? To better understand, REI launched a new study with researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The co-op has invested over $1 million in recent years supporting a growing body of scientific work on this important topic.
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A group of REI store employees in their signature green vests pose, along with CEO Eric Artz, pose with a ceremonial red ribbon in front of one of REI’s new stores.

Brick & mortar growth spurt

This year, for the first time in REI history, we opened four stores in a single day. We also launched a new in-store experience concept in New Hampshire. Driven in large part by brick-and-mortar retail, co-op membership has grown by more than 27% and revenue by 25% in the past five years.

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Evergreen trees veiled in mist blanket a gentle green slope.

Environmental journalism

Stories matter. In 2019, we launched two efforts in support of environmental journalism: Uncommon Path, our all-new magazine, and a new partnership that channels matching funds directly to nonprofit newsrooms covering critical outdoor issues—from local to global.

Learn more Read the Uncommon Path

2019 by the numbers

Co-op fact: We measure our success differently than most companies. For REI, success means running a healthy business and making a positive impact on our employees, member and society.

Employees

  • Nearly 15,000 employees
  • $78.5 million profit-sharing and employee incentives
  • Voted one of Fortune’s "100 Best Companies to Work For" for the 23rd straight year

Members

  • 19 million members
  • $210.8 million member dividends

Society

  • 427 nonprofit partners
  • 6,232 outdoor places impacted
  • $8.1 million contribution to nonprofits in 2019

Business

  • $3.12 billion in revenue
  • 70% of profits are invested in the outdoor community
  • 8 new stores opened and 3 new boathouses. Expanded to four new states: Alabama, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Vermont.

More about what we do

A backpacker stands on a ridge looking at a lake in a forested river valley

Climate and environment

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A mountain range seen through a red rock arch

Public lands and stewardship

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A group of REI employees in green vests cheer with their hands in the air

Great people and fair labor

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A family climbs on a log in a forest clearing

The outdoors is for all

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A person wearing gloves and a rain coat

Product sustainability

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Four hikers on a ridge with a mountain in the background

Making gear that lasts

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REI Co-op brand clothing rolled up and tied in string

Reducing waste

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Two people talk while sitting on a large boulder surrounded by trees

Collaborating for good

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CEO Eric Artz

Moving forward, all together: a letter from our CEO

Read Eric’s letter

Archived Stewardship Reports

2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006