Exploring the Great Outdoors with REI: Classes and Events for All Ages

REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) is a retail company that sells outdoor gear and clothing. REI was founded in 1938 and is headquartered in Kent, Washington. The company operates more than 160 retail stores in 36 states, as well as an online store. REI sells a wide range of outdoor gear and clothing, including camping and backpacking equipment, outdoor clothing and footwear, bikes, kayaks, and other outdoor sports equipment. REI is known for its high-quality products and excellent customer service, and the company is also committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. In addition to its retail operations, REI also offers outdoor classes and events, and the company is a member of the Conservation Alliance, which works to protect and preserve wild places for their habitat and recreation values.

An Introduction to REI: The History and Mission of the Company

REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) is a retail company that sells outdoor gear and clothing. The company was founded in 1938 by a group of 23 climbing enthusiasts in Seattle, Washington. The founders wanted to create a co-op that would provide high-quality outdoor gear at reasonable prices, and REI was born.

REI is a consumer co-op, which means that it is owned by its members. Members pay a one-time fee to join and receive dividends on their purchases, as well as access to special sales and events. REI has more than 17 million members and is the largest consumer co-op in the United States.

REI’s mission is to inspire, educate, and outfit people for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. The company is committed to offering high-quality outdoor gear and clothing, and providing excellent customer service. REI is also dedicated to sustainability and environmental responsibility, and the company works to reduce its impact on the environment through a variety of initiatives.

Overall, REI is a trusted source for outdoor gear and clothing, and a company that is committed to helping people explore and enjoy the great outdoors.

REI’s Wide Selection of Outdoor Gear and Clothing: What to Expect

REI is a one-stop shop for all of your outdoor gear and clothing needs. The company offers a wide selection of products, including:

1. Camping and backpacking gear: REI sells a variety of camping and backpacking gear, including tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and camp stoves.
2. Outdoor clothing and footwear: REI also has a wide selection of outdoor clothing and footwear, including jackets, pants, shirts, shoes, and boots.
3. Bikes: REI has a large selection of bikes for all levels of cycling, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes.
4. Kayaks: REI sells a variety of kayaks, including sit-on-top kayaks, touring kayaks, and inflatable kayaks.
5. Other outdoor sports equipment: REI also sells a wide range of outdoor sports equipment, including climbing gear, hiking gear, and snow sports gear.

Overall, REI’s selection of outdoor gear and clothing is extensive, and the company has something for every outdoor enthusiast.

The Top Benefits of Shopping at REI for Your Outdoor Needs

There are many benefits to shopping at REI for your outdoor gear and clothing needs. Some of the top benefits include:

1. High-quality products: REI is known for offering high-quality outdoor gear and clothing, so you can trust that you’re getting products that will last.
2. Excellent customer service: REI is dedicated to providing excellent customer service, and the company has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with a product, REI will make it right.
3. Membership program: REI is a consumer co-op, which means that it is owned by its members. Members receive dividends on their purchases, as well as access to special sales and events.
4. Used gear program: REI has a used gear program that allows customers to sell their gently used outdoor gear back to the store. This helps to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
5. Travel program: REI has a travel program that offers adventure travel and outdoor experiences around the world.
6. Community involvement: REI is actively involved in supporting nonprofit organizations and giving back to the community.

Overall, shopping at REI offers high-quality products, excellent customer service, and a commitment to sustainability and community involvement.

REI’s Commitment to Customer Service: Why It Sets the Company Apart

REI is committed to providing excellent customer service and has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with a product, REI will make it right. The company has a team of experienced outdoor enthusiasts who are available to help customers find the right gear and answer any questions they may have.

In addition to its in-store customer service, REI also has an online customer service team that is available to assist customers with their online purchases. The company’s website offers a variety of resources, including gear guides, product reviews, and how-to videos, to help customers make informed purchasing decisions.

REI also has a number of programs in place to ensure that customers are satisfied with their purchases. The company offers a gear rental program, which allows customers to try out gear before they buy it. REI also has a repair and maintenance program, which allows customers to have their gear repaired or serviced at the store.

Overall, REI’s commitment to customer service sets the company apart and helps to ensure that customers are satisfied with their purchases.

REI’s Sustainability Initiatives: Protecting the Environment and Supporting Wild Places

REI is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, and the company works to reduce its impact on the environment through a variety of initiatives. Some of REI’s sustainability initiatives include:

1. Used gear program: REI has a used gear program that allows customers to sell their gently used outdoor gear back to the store. This helps to reduce waste and promotes sustainability.
2. Green construction: REI is committed to building and remodeling its stores in an environmentally responsible way. The company has a number of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified stores, which are designed to be energy efficient and use sustainable materials.
3. Responsible sourcing: REI works with its suppliers to ensure that the materials and products it sells are sourced in an environmentally responsible way. The company has a number of programs in place to promote sustainability in its supply chain.
4. Conservation efforts: REI is a member of the Conservation Alliance, which works to protect and preserve wild places for their habitat and recreation values. The company also has a number of initiatives in place to support conservation efforts.

Overall, REI’s sustainability initiatives are an important part of the company’s mission and help to protect the environment and support wild places.

REI’s Outdoor Classes and Events: Learn a New Skill and Explore the Great Outdoors

REI offers a wide variety of outdoor classes and events, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. The company’s classes and events are designed to help people learn new skills, explore the great outdoors, and have fun. Some examples of REI’s outdoor classes and events include:

1. Outdoor skills classes: REI offers a variety of outdoor skills classes, such as camping and backpacking skills, navigation skills, and wilderness first aid.
2. Adventure travel and outdoor experiences: REI has a travel program that offers a variety of adventure travel and outdoor experiences, such as rafting trips, cycling tours, and wilderness expeditions.
3. Workshops and clinics: REI also offers workshops and clinics on a variety of topics, such as photography, birding, and fly fishing.
4. Social events: REI hosts a number of social events, such as happy hours, movie nights, and concerts, to bring people together and promote a sense of community.

Overall, REI’s outdoor classes and events provide an opportunity to learn new skills, explore the great outdoors, and have fun.

REI’s Membership Program: How to Join and What You’ll Get

REI is a consumer co-op, which means that it is owned by its members. Members pay a one-time fee to join and receive dividends on their purchases, as well as access to special sales and events. REI has more than 17 million members and is the largest consumer co-op in the United States.

To join REI, you can sign up online or visit an REI store. The membership fee is currently $20, and it is valid for a lifetime. When you become a member, you’ll receive a number of benefits, including:

1. Dividends: Members receive a dividend on their purchases, which is typically paid out in the form of a credit that can be used at REI. The dividend is calculated based on the member’s purchases for the year.
2. Special sales and events: Members have access to special sales and events, such as the REI Anniversary Sale and the REI Outlet Sale.
3. Member-only discounts: Members also receive member-only discounts on a variety of products and services, including REI Adventures and REI Outdoor School.
4. Gear rental program: Members can rent gear at discounted rates through REI’s gear rental program.
5. REI Co-op World Mastercard: Members can apply for the REI Co-op World Mastercard, which offers additional rewards and benefits.

Overall, REI’s membership program is a great value and offers a number of benefits to members.

REI’s Used Gear Program: Sustainability and Savings

REI has a used gear program that allows customers to sell their gently used outdoor gear back to the store. The used gear program helps to reduce waste and promote sustainability, as it allows gear to be reused rather than discarded. The program also offers customers the opportunity to save money on outdoor gear by purchasing gently used items at a discounted price.

To sell gear through the used gear program, customers can bring their gear to an REI store or mail it in. REI’s used gear specialists will then evaluate the gear and determine its value. If the gear is accepted, REI will offer the customer a cash payment or store credit for the gear. Customers can also choose to donate their gear to REI, which will be sold in the used gear section of the store with the proceeds going to support outdoor organizations.

Overall, REI’s used gear program is a great way to reduce waste, promote sustainability, and save money on outdoor gear.

REI’s Travel Program: Adventure Travel and Outdoor Experiences

REI’s travel program offers a variety of adventure travel and outdoor experiences around the world. The company’s travel program is designed to help people explore new destinations, try new activities, and connect with nature. Some examples of REI’s travel program include:

1. Active trips: REI offers a variety of active trips, such as cycling tours, hiking and backpacking trips, and rafting expeditions.
2. Family trips: REI also has a selection of family-friendly trips, which are designed to be fun and educational for kids.
3. Cultural and nature trips: REI’s travel program includes a variety of cultural and nature trips, such as wildlife safaris, cultural tours, and birding expeditions.
4. Custom trips: REI also offers custom trips, which allow travelers to create their own itinerary and explore a destination at their own pace.

Overall, REI’s travel program offers a variety of adventure travel and outdoor experiences for people of all interests and abilities.

REI’s Community Involvement: Supporting Nonprofits and Giving Back

REI is actively involved in supporting nonprofit organizations and giving back to the community. The company has a number of initiatives in place to support causes that are important to its employees and customers. Some examples of REI’s community involvement include:

1. REI Foundation: REI has a foundation that supports environmental and outdoor education programs. The foundation provides grants to organizations that are working to protect and preserve the outdoors, and it also supports programs that help people of all ages learn about and enjoy the outdoors.
2. Community partnerships: REI partners with a variety of community organizations to support outdoor projects and initiatives. The company has supported projects such as trail building, river cleanups, and conservation efforts.
3. Volunteerism: REI encourages its employees to get involved in their communities and encourages volunteerism. The company has a volunteer program that provides employees with paid time off to volunteer with organizations that align with REI’s values.

Overall, REI is committed to supporting nonprofit organizations and giving back to the community, and the company has a number of initiatives in place to make a positive impact.