Stephanie CreekJim Hodgson

John Lim

About REI

• “Recreational Equipment Inc.”• American consumers' co-op• Sells outdoor gear and sporting goods.• Sales mediums:

– Retail Stores– Catalogs– Internet

History

• First store opened in 1938 in Seattle, WA

• Founded by Lloyd Anderson and 22 fellow climbers.

• Established as a consumer co-op.

REI Membership

• One time fee of $15 to join.• Benefits:

– Gear Rental Discounts– Return 10% of purchases.

• Over 3 million members, nation’s largest co-op.

Products

• Quality gear, clothing and footwear • Backed by 100% guarantee• Set product standards for outdoor sports

industry• Conduct tests in lab and field by

employees• 25% of sales are REI-brand• REI's mountain, road and touring bike lines

- "Novara"

Stores• Over 90 locations in 27 states

• Facilities for testing equipment– bike test trails– climbing pinnacles– camp stove demonstration tables

• Outdoors Education: – in-store clinics– sponsored events – association with local outdoor organizations

• Internet kiosks– product information– recreation resources – order from complete REI line

Fortune’s Top 100 Places to Work• 9th in 2006• How Winners Are Selected

– Evaluated on culture, policies, unique practices, and benefits– Random 400 employees survey measuring:

• fairness in management• pride in work• job satisfaction• Camaraderie

• What Puts REI Among the Top 100? – Retirement plan that doesn't require individual contributions– Health-care benefits for all, including part-time employees– Gear discounts and free gear rentals– Encouragement of work/life balance– Outdoor-focused culture that encourages outdoor activity – Camaraderie, open communication and opportunity for advancement– Gear grants to take on a personal outdoor challenges– Community involvement, contributed $20 million to local recreation clubs – Incentive pay program– Employee discounts up to 50%

Local Competitors

• Big 5• Bi-Mart• G.I. Joe’s• Walmart

Branching Out

• REI Adventures• REI Gives

– Youth Programs– Community Service– Grants– Stewardship Awards

• Online Store• Retail Expansion

Questions?

References:• http://rei.com/• http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/27

6440_jewell05.html• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REI