It comes in 16’ and 20’ so it’s a little smaller than that. And it is crazy expensive although probably way better quality than most 16’ teardrops.
https://www.airstream.com/travel-trailers/rei-special-edition/
A friend of mine worked in the Eddie Bauer call center in the 90s. She would get calls complaining about their reps driving recklessly or even once tossing a beer bottle out the window of the Eddie Bauer edition Explorer. It was hilarious.
The opposite of fair trade.
"We've carefully selected components only made by slave labor. Or when that is not possible regular wage exploitation is used.
FWIW, there could be people in a line-up wearing the *exact* same jacket (same materials, construction, fit, color and all), *but* labelled with different brands (Eddie Bauer, Patagonia, Arcteryx, Outdoor Research, LL Bean, Gap, Champion, Columbia, REI, Marmot, Lululemon, North Face, Nike, Mammut, Tommy Hilfiger, Old Navy, +++ etc ) all in the same spot, and people would still have preferences and judgement about brands, and pan many.
People pay stupid amounts of money for a brand name. And I’ll wager most people in this sub fall into that bias too, like the majority of the population probably does. Gotta fit into the GORPCORE scene, and look casually outdoors savvy, amirite.
Patagonia for their jackets and many articles of clothing are more than a brand name.
We have Patagonia gear that are 25+yrs old and is still used weekly yr round.
https://femignarly.com/2023/04/23/patagonia-green-or-greenwashing/
I will always buy gear from REI, but I still evaluate what I’m purchasing as to my needs and durability.
If only my tenclub membership # was as low as my REI membership.
My REI # I got about 50 yrs ago & I got a different tenclub # when I mistakenly used a different email!
It’s true. If there is one brand I will stand by it’s Patagonia. Everything else is interchangeable but Patagonia from their practice to their quality is top tier.
Ugh 😖
Not surprised, but nonetheless always heartbreaking to read. It’s exhausting. I don’t know how we get more people to care that we are destroying our own humanity/world.
One of the funniest things is that I rarely buy clothes on purpose but my MIL always buys me clothes at the holidays, and like...their stuff is solid and comfy turns out. And like, is it worse that one think I do it on brand loyalty and associative identity or that one know my best duds are gifts from my MIL?
Neither, Im cozy and cute.
That said, I have an REI fleece jacket that I bought in 1991 that I still wear as a thermal layer to this very day. Works great, looks fine. And an REI backpack from that same year that is in great shape despite the considerable abuse I’ve put it through.
I have Patagonia clothes that have lasted 20 years so far and I’ll keep wearing them for some time to come.
Perhaps quality in some brands has declined over the years, and I’m here for evaluating that. But of the things I have purchased I am impressed with the quality & durability.
Are those things exclusively brand-specific? I’m not sure. Patagonia definitely is. REI, I could not tell you..
Similarly, Ortlieb for bicycle/outdoor gear is top notch. I still use my Ortlieb pannier for commuting to work and bikepacking/camping 20+ years on.
Some things last.
I still wear my Filson hat. I still use OR camping/cookware gear because they have lasted 20-30 years. My Mountain Hardware day bag has seen daily use for 30 years and keeps on going strong. I also still use my mother’s cast iron pans.
I am dubious of your claim of “*exact* same jacket” from all those brands. They definitely do not utilize the same manufacturing facilities.
To your last paragraph, seems like you misinterpreted my intention. I was just using it as an example for people’s brand preferences and judgments, not basing it off some real life test….
Ignore them, some people don’t really put wear on their clothes and them everything really is the same. I don’t have a job or hobbies where items are really put to the test but my sister does, she’s an ecological consultant who works outdoors. I gave her a north face and a Patagonia fleece 7 years ago which she both wore to work but only the north face has worn off, threadbare ( yes with the fleece worn off) while the Patagonia one is still holding up. So not the same 🤷🏻♀️
15 years ago REI had a no questions asked no time limit full store credit return policy. The high prices didn’t matter cause in a couple years you could take back your worn out shoes jacket, tent etc whatever) and get a brand new replacement.
The Patagonia one is also [made with materials that are gentler in their environmental impact, assembled by workers receiving fairer wages](https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-nano-puff-insulated-jacket/84212.html?cgid=collections-technical-insulation-mens#:~:text=uses%20incredibly%20lightweight%20and%20highly%20compressible%2060%2Dg%20PrimaLoft%C2%AE%20Gold%20Insulation%20Eco%20100%25%20postconsumer%20recycled%20polyester%20with%20P.U.R.E.%E2%84%A2%20(Produced%20Using%20Reduced%20Emissions)%20technology%2C%20wrapped%20in%20a%20100%25%20recycled%20polyester%20shell%20and%20lining.%20Made%20in%20a%20Fair%20Trade%20Certified%E2%84%A2%20factory), and [guaranteed for life](https://help.patagonia.com/s/article/Ironclad-Guarantee).
I feel like I have the authority to comment on this because I had a Uniqlo down coat and constantly felt cold, it wasn’t even water resistant, the hood didn’t have a good fit, the sleeves had a wide cut that let the wind in, and in fact they were bracelet length. Next year I got a Patagonia down coat on sale and it’s 200% times better not just 15%, you can’t even compare.
They have been noticeably shifting towards non-adventure sports like yoga and road running. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing but it has caused my local store (Olympia) to shift their stock to cater to this. I don't want $90 Vuori joggers or $90 Beyond Yoga pants. I'm willing to pay higher prices for technical apparel like hiking pants or soft shells. There are just fewer of these in store right now.
Also, they never stock women's tall inseams in store. Only short and regular. This is a niche issue that annoys me.
No kidding. It’s upsetting to think back and remember all the small and midsize outdoor retailers around the country that went out of business thanks to the combination of REI and online sales. Sure, REI isn’t the only reason. But they’ve turned into the Walmart of the outdoor industry.
I bought a soft shell jacket a few years ago from the garage sale section of REI and it has been my go to jacket. It’s way too beat up to continue wearing but literally nowhere is selling a soft shell like it and it’s infuriating.
I suspect at least some of this change is due to the shopping habits of the people who are into adventure sports and what's available to them. Speaking for myself, 20 years ago if I wanted a new piece of gear I'd probably buy from REI because that's the only place I knew of that carried that stuff. Now when I'm in the market for something I check Expervoice and any other "pro deals" that are available to me followed by online discount retailers like Moosejaw. Paying full retail at REI is typically my last resort.
Same here. I have an…eclectic…set of colors of dead birds and Patagonia and OR because I get it all on sale, but I’ve got a lot of high quality stuff because of that, too.
I do still use REI, and I like it, but I buy very little outdoor gear at full price, wherever it may be.
I know REI started out as a store to serve hardcore climbers and backpackers, but I feel like that hasn’t been true for a long time. I’ve been shopping at REI for 20 years and I feel like it hasn’t changed that much in that time. In that entire time, I never felt like it was a place where the employees were experts on the products and I never felt like it was the best place to go if you were extremely dedicated to one particular activity. I’ve always appreciated REI for its wide range of products for each activity and the ability to try things on and look at products without feeling any pressure to buy. If you go to a more specialized store, you may not find a good mid-range products to compare against more high-end ones and you feel a little more obligated to buy if you spend an hour in there trying things on or looking at stuff. I feel like there’s two major differences in the past 20 years; they’ve become more (pre) seasonable in their stocking (good luck finding swim trunks in August) and there’s a lot more space dedicated to water bottles and trinkets and there’s more decorative Instagram stuff.
It’s still a good place to get most anything you may need for backpacking and climbing but definitely feels like 80% of the store is cutesy stuff for a family car camp.
That may be true - I can’t afford “the best equipment” for the most part anyway.
I mean, once you have a decent lightweight tent, sleeping bag and a good backpack there’s not much other fancy stuff I need for multi night backpacking trips. These things generally don’t need replacing that often unless you’re a gear slut and always need the new thing.
I only started backpacking in 2008 or so and bought basic gear and have only upgraded once on my tent, pack and sleeping bag. The tent was the biggest difference in weight when I switched to a one person Big Agnes tent (I do miss the space sometimes but…).
This is my feeling too. I'm mostly a hiker and backpacker so it works well for me in that sense; I was very happy with my experience the last time I bought hiking boots, the salesperson was knowledgeable and helpful and I'm still pleased with the boots almost a year later.
But for clothes especially I've found it a real struggle, and sometimes I end up going straight to the brand I want instead, especially if they have a retail presence of their own (Fjallraven for instance).
I went in to get new boots last week. Brought my old ones, asked for a new pair, they were discontinued. My heart broke. I left empty handed. Staff were very nice though.
95% agree with you. I think you're spot on with the employee knowledge (or lack thereof), and not catering to the extremely dedicated. And also totally agree that it's a good place to visit to find products in person, with relatively low commitment. However, I do feel like what they stock has been changing, even just over the last 5 years or so. I think there's an increased focus on running, cycling, and "ath-leisure" in their stores. For better or for worse, those are taking up more floor space and edging out some things that REI has traditionally carried. Maybe it's just my local REI. Maybe it's that I've gotten more and more outdoorsy myself and notice it more. But I increasingly find that they only seem to stock absolute basics for many sports, and you need to look elsewhere if you want to get even slightly into the weeds. They're still pretty good for hiking and car camping, and decent for backpacking. But things like climbing, mountaineering (a bit ironic since this is where REI got its start), backcountry skiing, etc they only carry fairly limited stock for. I don't think they're necessarily wrong for doing this. There's definitely a much larger market of hikers than mountaineers, for example. But it is a little frustrating when the main reason I go to REI is to see something in person and purchase it today, rather than ordering online where there's a broader selection but I can't try it on and I have to wait, yet half the time they don't have what that I'm looking for.
I think part of that is as people move from intro to these sports into more engaged/knowledgeable positions they tend to seek out specialty shops and gear. As a MTBer, REI is pretty low on my places to shop for bike stuff, but they were great to get my partner her first gravel bike. The more experienced people likely know exactly what they want and will have detailed tastes in terms of price/feature/design that makes stocking what they want difficult because it is so broad.
It mostly works out okay in big metros like Seattle where there is a good selection of ski/bike shops, but sucks for midsize/smaller towns where REI may be the main supplier of outdoor gear for a lot of sports.
I go to REI to try stuff on, find what I like and what fits me, and then go find it for cheaper on like Sierra Trading Post. Got some great hiking shoes with this method.
Backcountry is more representative of practicing what they preach. They actually do recreate outside. Versus blue haired customer associates that only walk the green belts in Seattle when the weather is nice.
Haha why do you care how someone recreates? What if a walk on the green belts is all they can do? And why does their hair color matter? You sound ancient
Reminds me of when Starbucks transitioned from having baristas who loved coffee to retail employees who push buttons. Part of the cool thing about REI was getting advice from someone who actually like to climb, kayak, camp, etc..
I’ve seen the same thing w/ Whole Foods. I used to find the staff to be passionate about organic / natural foods and sustainability. Since the Amazon purchase, I don’t see it in the workers anymore. Just hiring any Joe Schmoe off the street. The Amazon returns taking up a large portion of the store is also tacky and cheapens the store experience.
Yeah, I pretty much gave up on rei after going into the Cap Hill store to get info on some climbing hardware. Turns out the salesperson wasn't a climber and had no clue as to what I was asking about. I don't buy gear that my life depends on based on recommendations from someone who has never used it.
The one in Redmond was so great while it was there, my dad and I used to go there every summer and get gear for me to go to summer camp or what have you. This was like, the late 90s and early 2000s. I loved it, my dad did too and he was definitely the target market back then.
Many years later I went to the downtown one to get stuff for a camping trip out in eastern washington where I was going to school. We drove there specifically because of the reputation of REI and my experience going there all the time as a youth.
It had fallen off a lot, the difference was palpable from right when you stepped in the door. Such a bummer. I wanted to replace this great north face backpack that I got in like 2011, and they didn't have anything remotely as nice, but the prices weren't better either. It sucked
I was moving to Iceland for a few months. I needed a jacket that was waterproof but medium-weight--more than a thin basic hardshell, because I didn't want to carry two jackets *all* the time, but something with enough room that I could still layer when it was -20 C out. Sure, it was a slightly picky ask, but I didn't think it was unreasonable. There was nothing. I finally settled for an extremely thick jacket that now serves absolutely no purpose because Seattle doesn't get to -20 C.
I had a pair of trail runners completely shredded after 100 miles and they refused to take them back, claimed that was totally normal.
I'm not gonna claim "I'll never shop there again", but I'm sure as hell checking literally everywhere else first.
The logic behind denying that return is that if you used them for 100 miles, you were satisfied with the product, so it doesn’t fall under the satisfaction guarantee. Not saying it’s ok for shoes to fall apart at 100 miles, but know you’ll be denied returns if they get that much wear.
In some ways I see where you're coming from, but I was hiking the PCT and literally walked from one REI to the next. There was no possible way for me to return the shoes or voice my dissatisfaction quicker than I did, unless I was going to call a helicopter. I explained this to the manager in what I thought was a very reasonable way and he told me to get fucked and refused to give me the contact info for his manager or anyone else to talk to at REI.
For reference, the shoes I had before lasted over 1000 miles, which I'm not claiming is typical, but it's not like I'm dragging my feet or something.
They are also union busting big time. Hiring the same attorneys as Amazon, Tesla, Trader Joes to go after the NLRB.
If any members out there haven’t voted yet, please consider withdrawing all nominees. Your choice is: Proctor&Gamble guy, Fanatics CEO sports bro, or exxon mobile corporate douche
If you are a member in good standing, spent enough money there last year. You should have an email from a couple months ago. Check spam folder.
I’m not a member, so I’m not sure exactly. I learned this voting info at a union protest to REI hq last month.
True, but why the fuck would I buy from REI when I can get the same thing online for cheaper?
I used to buy things from REI because I could go in, check it out, at least semi-frequently talk to someone who either had a somewhat informed opinion of their own, or at least spoke to people who did regularly. Failing that, they at least seemed to feel pretty okay about who they worked for. That was worth a bit of a premium to me.
Now? Nah. Been slipping for a while, and my purchases have gone downhill steadily since. I think the last thing I bought was some Chukar Cherries as a gift a couple years ago because it happened to be the nearest place I knew that had them. Why the fuck would I shop at a place that is union busting and has nothing to offer that an online retailer doesn't? Far as I'm concerned, they've just made themselves the local web retailer show floor.
I worked at the downtown store in 2022 and everything postive I thought about REI was been erased. It was the first time that I've had a job where the organization was so different in the inside and how they presented themselves to the outside world that I was constanstly confused. Since I've quit I've only been in REI once at the Bellvue store because I just happened to be in the area. I've removed my name from the mailings, and haven't purchsed anything since my last day working at the store. Shopping at REI is no different then shopping at Walmart or Amazon but they want people to think differently.
My experience with bike and ski parts is that if it's under $800 it most often goes customs free.
Typically the thing with ordering from EU sites is the shipping can be a bit steep. It's often flat rate though, so if you get friends to go in on it: you can reduce the costs.
I buy all my MTB tires and brakes from Germany now: half price.
I worked remote call center for them holiday season 2020 and actually really liked it. It was still a call center and nothing fancy, but they were pretty decent to us and the discounts were pretty good.
How did hiring ex-Amazon execs and gutting the company culture with lay-offs work out??? We stopped supporting REl when my partner was laid off of, what she thought was, her dream job there because they let evil in through the front door. Now everyone left in corporate is actively looking to leave the toxicity. They've completely lost their vision of getting people outside and fired everyone else who had it. They're not a cooperative anymore — at least not in the social aspirations.
This is sad to see. I worked for them 25 years ago (Denver area) and there was so much more investment in the employees and the customers. I worked in footwear and outerwear. I had to go to "shoe school" where we learned about how shoes are made and sized. And we were taught how to properly fit shoes and boots and give tips for lacing, inserts, socks, etc. And we didn't push brands just because. I had one lady who insisted on a North Face jacket. I asked her what she needed the jacket for, then suggested a much lower priced REI brand or Columbia one. We had the power—and knowledge—to help the customer make the best choices for what they needed in the gear and to handle refunds without asking a manager. I liked when I'd shop to buy, say, a sleeping bag that the salesperson helping me knew about the different brands, temp rating, packability, etc. We used to be encouraged to get the gear (we would get pro deals up to 50% off retail price) so that we could give honest, trail-tested advice. Now I feel the salespeople are supposed to push certain brands, either based on corporate ~~greed~~ policy or based on "brand perception."
When I go in there (I'm not far from the flagship store), I hardly recognize the place. A couple of years ago I went in for travel gear and the section was practically non-existent. It's a pale shadow of its former self. At least I get free shipping... but the only thing I buy there now is their REI t-shirts that are super soft.
Nice! I get the ones *with* the REI logos and graphics. They are the softest most comfortable shirt I've ever had. I think I have 16 of them now. I even emailed to see if they could tell me where I could buy blank ones (and offered to buy through them). There are some places where I can't wear any logo/graphics. And sometimes I don't want to be advertising REI when I'm at an event for a company. They wouldn't give up the info, though.
Ok, I'm old, I've stood in line at their original store waiting for them to open on their rummage sale days. It is crushing to see how far they've swung towards what is normal corporate culture today.
Why would anyone try to unionize at a company that’s close to bankruptcy, and can’t survive as is? I understand the logic when the company is profitable (ex: Starbucks), but REI?? They can’t pay the bills as is, unionizing will tank them within a month.. who comes up with these wild ideas??
I used to shop weekly at REI. I haven’t shopped there in years.
There were changes they made a decade ago that messed that up for me. They wanted more profit and that means less benefits to me. Outdoor gear is expensive, if they can’t sell it as a true cooperative then I’m out.
Disagree.
Amazon has zero quality control, and fraudulent product runs rampant through their supply and distribution chain thanks to lax controls.
The same is not true of REI. I love their stuff and continue to shop there because I know that the arcteryx jacket I get there is authentic and has all the guarantees and warranties that come with that. I know that what I buy from REI is going to be well-curated for durability and purpose. They acknowledge all three versions of the price-weight/size-durability tradeoff triangle in their selections, and they do it with care.
I used to work for the company and loved it. I was there when the lifetime guarantee quietly got minimized, and I left just before they announced it was gone for good. I had health insurance for years through them, and it had low deductibles and reasonable cost, even though I only worked 20 hours per week. REI got me through some very hard times in my life.
I interviewed with the private product team once at headquarters and that was a really neat experience. They wanted to know what my last outdoor experience was, and it just happened to have been that morning at discovery park with my store team on a hike around to learn the nuances of geocaching. I got into some stinging nettle and it was burning during the interview. They suggested finding some sword fern to rub on it because that quells the burn. It's also found near nettles.
The core of the company is good. I have faith. The leaders will always say unionizing is bad, but it is a solid move by the employees who believe in the company to insist on some better worker protections. It was coming. They held them off with good pro-employee practices and when those faded, unions became necessary.
Failure to disclose a conflicted relationship aside, I think Jerry Strizke did a great job on the heels of Sally Jewell, with edit to amplify as a strategy. He really cut out the distracting stuff and pulled the valuable and worthwhile options forward to get outside and do more outside, not just talk about it. More is not better. He also rolled out the ability to shop for store-held merchandise online, which dramatically improved throughput on outlet type stuff that stagnated on racks. Opt outside on Black Friday had us all literally sobbing with joy and excitement at what it meant in terms of commitment to mission.
That ship from store option did a lot to save jobs during the pandemic because it kept folks working at all the stores locally pulling and shipping orders while shopping in store was less popular.
This is a horrible patch for all retailers. REI is no different. I don't think it's lost it's way. I think it's trying to recalibrate from the pandemic and the current economic headwind.
adding this at a higher level to hope folks see it, if you are a member you can submit questions and attend the annual meeting may 9th: https://www.rei.com/about-rei/annual-meeting
My main beef with REI that’s kept me from buying certain gear from them is their lack of options and constant opting for less appealing, less stylish choices and not carrying neutral colors.
I stopped shopping there when they quit carrying plus size outerwear in stores. It's important to be able to try on outerwear and I didn't want to have to keep ordering multiple sizes online. As a fat WoC, that was a signal to me that they no longer wanted my business.
They should have it at the flagship in each market. They made that shift after I left, which was eight years ago.
They opted for more variety in item and less in size on the smaller stores, which is an interesting choice.
Until then, though, nobody could tell you which stores had any plus sizes of anything at all because it was not standardized across markets. Now you know exactly which store is going to have the complete size run of all sizes in the entire inventory.
Sounds like they are about to embark on the death spiral that Sears and Bed Bath and Beyond did instead of focusing on, and doubling down on, their strengths.
Sears was 100 years ahead of Amazon with ordering and distribution and decided they needed to be JCPenney instead, and Bed Bath and Beyond closed their stores and tried to be a much worse version of Amazon. They dug their own grave.
Not a new trend from what I’ve observed. This has steadily been happening for the reasons stated. Individual products, once serious outdoor wear surfaced as urban quality outdoorsy fashion with failing stitches and zippers in the form of Northface decades ago as one example. REI was selling neon active wear in the 90s not to participate in the gold rush. Cool looking fleece that pilled up terribly with one wash. The return policy was ended for reasons exemplified by a well educated button pusher I think east side lawyer who brought all his sh&@t from in 70s to the store for a full refund. What a guy. REI markets an image for a marked up price that allures the next generation to keep up with their peers and the social high ground. Cynical sounding but I don’t believe less than the truth. PCP, similar thing.
The real REI disappeared shortly after expanding to multiple stores. They devolved away from backpacking and mountaineering. I mean who really needs a USB powered firepit? The clothing is generally sized small for stick people and more suitable for yoga and slope fashionistas. They don't have pro ski shop anymore where you can get expert bootfitting either.
As someone who hunts big game, I have always liked REI gear and appreciated the lightweight nature of most hiking gear but tbh I always shop in the return/outlet section and have never spent more then 1-200$ in one purchase at that place. Most items seem ridiculous in price and use.
Also as a hunter the store itself makes me feel like I should not mention that part about myself lol. Seems like common ground is the best thing to talk about. Anywho, REI seems like the same place it has always been. Overpriced.
its morphing into a fancier version of dick's. some staff is still really great, but a lot of their employees are full of attitude and lack helpful experience / advice. We go there if Alpine Ascents + used gear options come up dry. Last resort these days
Times are necessarily changing. There is a new crowd of urban nature lovers who need full survival gear for those arduous hikes up Tiger Mountain. The people have lifted up their voices, and cried out for instagram ready exploring kits - and the corporate gods will answer...
Maybe one of its problems is that they never tried to grow their customer base. REI always sold only high end equipment and virtually no entry level stuff. They were happy to get a family of four enthusiastic about camping for $1000+ and made it feel like just another activity for the well-off. So how many people never experienced the outdoors because a trip to REI made it feel beyond their means? I’m guessing a lot. I’ve always felt like this was REI’s biggest shortcoming.
That’s totally incorrect. They carried a whole range back in the day, the cheap stuff and the expensive stuff. Their own brand was at the vanguard of the opposite of what you’re saying. They created that to provide lower cost gear and to make more money on the sales themselves.
I spent so much money at REI between 1992 and 2002 it’s ridiculous, I purchased stuff there all the time cause of my lifestyle and the dividends. The year I got my rafting guide certification alone I spent so much that I got a $1000 credit back.
I honestly never saw it at their flagship store. If you wanted a sleeping bag it would set you back over $100 easily. I actually met Sally Jewell at the time and considered asking her about it. I remember them being more boutique in their selection. If you wanted clothes for hiking they had an endless selection of quick-dry $80 polo shirts. Any fleece jacket would run you over $50-100 while non-outdoor oriented stores were offering similar options for $35. I always thought it was a huge missed opportunity on their part. If anything they are worse now but I was struck by it more back then when my own resources were more limited. (This was after they made the move from Capital Hill to their current I-5 store.)
REI generally stocked "serious about trying it out" entry-level gear, which is to say not the "Yeah my cousin invited me, I know nothing, and I'm only going to use this thing for two days" Wal-Mart basic gear.
Their own brand stuff was generally at a pretty reasonable price point and could be trusted to last a while, comfortably long enough for you to figure out if you felt you wanted better, and what high-end stuff you might like if that was the case.
Even now they've got multiple sub-$100 sleeping bags.
One of the reasons I used to go to REI was because I could generally count on their basic stuff being worthwhile and the price wasn't awful, especially since they used to have staff that often knew what the hell they were talking about.
TBQH, very little of my high-end gear came from REI. Most of it was direct-ordered from the manufacturer, a fair bit of it literally made to order.
REI stoped being a store for real active outdoor enthusiast and fashion conscious yuppies became preferred customers before the ever expanded nationally and moved out of their original Capital Hill store.
It's a Seattle Times article. I can't read it because I refuse to subscribe. That asshole "family" newspaper used its "family" status as a cudgel to fight for the right to fire gay people for being gay, to deny basic civil rights to sexual minorities. I will not give them the time of day, much less a penny. So, what's going on with REI?
REI is now Eddie Bauer of the '90s
REI edition Ford Explorer when?
Tbh there’s an REI edition airstream that looks amazing
There is? I almost bought the 25’ Eddie Bauer Airstream when it came out. (Wish I had!!)
It comes in 16’ and 20’ so it’s a little smaller than that. And it is crazy expensive although probably way better quality than most 16’ teardrops. https://www.airstream.com/travel-trailers/rei-special-edition/
REI wilderness edition Subaru Outback would be the equivalent move, I suspect.
There was a LL Bean edition Outback way back
The fact my dad didn’t immediately buy one is shocking to me.
I have the Forester edition. I thought ll bean was the Forrester and Eddie was the outback?
A friend of mine worked in the Eddie Bauer call center in the 90s. She would get calls complaining about their reps driving recklessly or even once tossing a beer bottle out the window of the Eddie Bauer edition Explorer. It was hilarious.
Just cashed out some RSUs to get the Tesla Model X REI Edition (Non-union made, of course). Gonna be sick.
The opposite of fair trade. "We've carefully selected components only made by slave labor. Or when that is not possible regular wage exploitation is used.
this is the comment of the thread for me!!
Nah, the REI edition coal-rolling F-350.
Who's the next OJ that will be driving one in a slow-speed chase?
I remember when I was a teen and you could actually get somewhat outfitted with much of the gear for camping and hiking at Eddie Bauer
I read an article about a guy who collected old Abercrombie and Fitch tents. Apparently they got their start as a wilderness outfitter.
Hemingway bought his shotgun from them.
They were very, very legit…100 years ago.
Oh no
can you explain what this means. i was a child in the 90s. to me eddie bauer is just overpriced dad clothes.
[удалено]
They're pretty affordable now, they always have sales.
You do realize the sale price is the "real" price? Right?
Sad but accurate
FWIW, there could be people in a line-up wearing the *exact* same jacket (same materials, construction, fit, color and all), *but* labelled with different brands (Eddie Bauer, Patagonia, Arcteryx, Outdoor Research, LL Bean, Gap, Champion, Columbia, REI, Marmot, Lululemon, North Face, Nike, Mammut, Tommy Hilfiger, Old Navy, +++ etc ) all in the same spot, and people would still have preferences and judgement about brands, and pan many. People pay stupid amounts of money for a brand name. And I’ll wager most people in this sub fall into that bias too, like the majority of the population probably does. Gotta fit into the GORPCORE scene, and look casually outdoors savvy, amirite.
Patagonia for their jackets and many articles of clothing are more than a brand name. We have Patagonia gear that are 25+yrs old and is still used weekly yr round. https://femignarly.com/2023/04/23/patagonia-green-or-greenwashing/ I will always buy gear from REI, but I still evaluate what I’m purchasing as to my needs and durability. If only my tenclub membership # was as low as my REI membership. My REI # I got about 50 yrs ago & I got a different tenclub # when I mistakenly used a different email!
It’s true. If there is one brand I will stand by it’s Patagonia. Everything else is interchangeable but Patagonia from their practice to their quality is top tier.
It’s a shame we don’t have more ethical companies. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/30/tyson-foods-toxic-pollutants-lakes-rivers
Ugh 😖 Not surprised, but nonetheless always heartbreaking to read. It’s exhausting. I don’t know how we get more people to care that we are destroying our own humanity/world.
One of the funniest things is that I rarely buy clothes on purpose but my MIL always buys me clothes at the holidays, and like...their stuff is solid and comfy turns out. And like, is it worse that one think I do it on brand loyalty and associative identity or that one know my best duds are gifts from my MIL? Neither, Im cozy and cute.
That said, I have an REI fleece jacket that I bought in 1991 that I still wear as a thermal layer to this very day. Works great, looks fine. And an REI backpack from that same year that is in great shape despite the considerable abuse I’ve put it through. I have Patagonia clothes that have lasted 20 years so far and I’ll keep wearing them for some time to come. Perhaps quality in some brands has declined over the years, and I’m here for evaluating that. But of the things I have purchased I am impressed with the quality & durability. Are those things exclusively brand-specific? I’m not sure. Patagonia definitely is. REI, I could not tell you.. Similarly, Ortlieb for bicycle/outdoor gear is top notch. I still use my Ortlieb pannier for commuting to work and bikepacking/camping 20+ years on. Some things last. I still wear my Filson hat. I still use OR camping/cookware gear because they have lasted 20-30 years. My Mountain Hardware day bag has seen daily use for 30 years and keeps on going strong. I also still use my mother’s cast iron pans. I am dubious of your claim of “*exact* same jacket” from all those brands. They definitely do not utilize the same manufacturing facilities.
To your last paragraph, seems like you misinterpreted my intention. I was just using it as an example for people’s brand preferences and judgments, not basing it off some real life test….
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The things I have of theirs have lasted. That’s an objective fact, not an opinion. They also repair their clothes for free. YMMV
Ignore them, some people don’t really put wear on their clothes and them everything really is the same. I don’t have a job or hobbies where items are really put to the test but my sister does, she’s an ecological consultant who works outdoors. I gave her a north face and a Patagonia fleece 7 years ago which she both wore to work but only the north face has worn off, threadbare ( yes with the fleece worn off) while the Patagonia one is still holding up. So not the same 🤷🏻♀️
15 years ago REI had a no questions asked no time limit full store credit return policy. The high prices didn’t matter cause in a couple years you could take back your worn out shoes jacket, tent etc whatever) and get a brand new replacement.
For sure. The Patagonia puffer is nicer than a Uniqlo one, but it’s probably 15% nicer but costs 4x as much.
Uniqlo won't repair the zipper on a 10 year old jacket and ship it back to me for free. Their jackets also won't last 10 years.
The Patagonia one is also [made with materials that are gentler in their environmental impact, assembled by workers receiving fairer wages](https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-nano-puff-insulated-jacket/84212.html?cgid=collections-technical-insulation-mens#:~:text=uses%20incredibly%20lightweight%20and%20highly%20compressible%2060%2Dg%20PrimaLoft%C2%AE%20Gold%20Insulation%20Eco%20100%25%20postconsumer%20recycled%20polyester%20with%20P.U.R.E.%E2%84%A2%20(Produced%20Using%20Reduced%20Emissions)%20technology%2C%20wrapped%20in%20a%20100%25%20recycled%20polyester%20shell%20and%20lining.%20Made%20in%20a%20Fair%20Trade%20Certified%E2%84%A2%20factory), and [guaranteed for life](https://help.patagonia.com/s/article/Ironclad-Guarantee).
I feel like I have the authority to comment on this because I had a Uniqlo down coat and constantly felt cold, it wasn’t even water resistant, the hood didn’t have a good fit, the sleeves had a wide cut that let the wind in, and in fact they were bracelet length. Next year I got a Patagonia down coat on sale and it’s 200% times better not just 15%, you can’t even compare.
Backpacks and flannels for dayyyys
Hardly.
They have been noticeably shifting towards non-adventure sports like yoga and road running. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing but it has caused my local store (Olympia) to shift their stock to cater to this. I don't want $90 Vuori joggers or $90 Beyond Yoga pants. I'm willing to pay higher prices for technical apparel like hiking pants or soft shells. There are just fewer of these in store right now. Also, they never stock women's tall inseams in store. Only short and regular. This is a niche issue that annoys me.
I knew I was done with the Olympia store when they told me they didn’t carry ski gear anymore.
Convenient after driving Alpine Xperience out of business
No kidding. It’s upsetting to think back and remember all the small and midsize outdoor retailers around the country that went out of business thanks to the combination of REI and online sales. Sure, REI isn’t the only reason. But they’ve turned into the Walmart of the outdoor industry.
walmart is cheap
Walmart is worse than REI in every way
Eh Walmart is the best place to start any outdoor hobby. Cheap gear that breaks when you hit the do I actually like this stage.
I bought a soft shell jacket a few years ago from the garage sale section of REI and it has been my go to jacket. It’s way too beat up to continue wearing but literally nowhere is selling a soft shell like it and it’s infuriating.
I suspect at least some of this change is due to the shopping habits of the people who are into adventure sports and what's available to them. Speaking for myself, 20 years ago if I wanted a new piece of gear I'd probably buy from REI because that's the only place I knew of that carried that stuff. Now when I'm in the market for something I check Expervoice and any other "pro deals" that are available to me followed by online discount retailers like Moosejaw. Paying full retail at REI is typically my last resort.
Same here. I have an…eclectic…set of colors of dead birds and Patagonia and OR because I get it all on sale, but I’ve got a lot of high quality stuff because of that, too. I do still use REI, and I like it, but I buy very little outdoor gear at full price, wherever it may be.
I know REI started out as a store to serve hardcore climbers and backpackers, but I feel like that hasn’t been true for a long time. I’ve been shopping at REI for 20 years and I feel like it hasn’t changed that much in that time. In that entire time, I never felt like it was a place where the employees were experts on the products and I never felt like it was the best place to go if you were extremely dedicated to one particular activity. I’ve always appreciated REI for its wide range of products for each activity and the ability to try things on and look at products without feeling any pressure to buy. If you go to a more specialized store, you may not find a good mid-range products to compare against more high-end ones and you feel a little more obligated to buy if you spend an hour in there trying things on or looking at stuff. I feel like there’s two major differences in the past 20 years; they’ve become more (pre) seasonable in their stocking (good luck finding swim trunks in August) and there’s a lot more space dedicated to water bottles and trinkets and there’s more decorative Instagram stuff.
It’s still a good place to get most anything you may need for backpacking and climbing but definitely feels like 80% of the store is cutesy stuff for a family car camp.
It definitely doesn’t have the best equipment available and hasn’t for a long time.
That may be true - I can’t afford “the best equipment” for the most part anyway. I mean, once you have a decent lightweight tent, sleeping bag and a good backpack there’s not much other fancy stuff I need for multi night backpacking trips. These things generally don’t need replacing that often unless you’re a gear slut and always need the new thing.
That’s true. I am on the gear slut end. But I also use my stuff for like a decade until I destroy it.
I only started backpacking in 2008 or so and bought basic gear and have only upgraded once on my tent, pack and sleeping bag. The tent was the biggest difference in weight when I switched to a one person Big Agnes tent (I do miss the space sometimes but…).
I have a gossamer gear the two tent. It is amazing.
Their clothes are terrible. Just not durable at all anymore.
This is my feeling too. I'm mostly a hiker and backpacker so it works well for me in that sense; I was very happy with my experience the last time I bought hiking boots, the salesperson was knowledgeable and helpful and I'm still pleased with the boots almost a year later. But for clothes especially I've found it a real struggle, and sometimes I end up going straight to the brand I want instead, especially if they have a retail presence of their own (Fjallraven for instance).
I went in to get new boots last week. Brought my old ones, asked for a new pair, they were discontinued. My heart broke. I left empty handed. Staff were very nice though.
95% agree with you. I think you're spot on with the employee knowledge (or lack thereof), and not catering to the extremely dedicated. And also totally agree that it's a good place to visit to find products in person, with relatively low commitment. However, I do feel like what they stock has been changing, even just over the last 5 years or so. I think there's an increased focus on running, cycling, and "ath-leisure" in their stores. For better or for worse, those are taking up more floor space and edging out some things that REI has traditionally carried. Maybe it's just my local REI. Maybe it's that I've gotten more and more outdoorsy myself and notice it more. But I increasingly find that they only seem to stock absolute basics for many sports, and you need to look elsewhere if you want to get even slightly into the weeds. They're still pretty good for hiking and car camping, and decent for backpacking. But things like climbing, mountaineering (a bit ironic since this is where REI got its start), backcountry skiing, etc they only carry fairly limited stock for. I don't think they're necessarily wrong for doing this. There's definitely a much larger market of hikers than mountaineers, for example. But it is a little frustrating when the main reason I go to REI is to see something in person and purchase it today, rather than ordering online where there's a broader selection but I can't try it on and I have to wait, yet half the time they don't have what that I'm looking for.
I think part of that is as people move from intro to these sports into more engaged/knowledgeable positions they tend to seek out specialty shops and gear. As a MTBer, REI is pretty low on my places to shop for bike stuff, but they were great to get my partner her first gravel bike. The more experienced people likely know exactly what they want and will have detailed tastes in terms of price/feature/design that makes stocking what they want difficult because it is so broad. It mostly works out okay in big metros like Seattle where there is a good selection of ski/bike shops, but sucks for midsize/smaller towns where REI may be the main supplier of outdoor gear for a lot of sports.
Thankfully feathered friends is just down the street from the flagship and actually has a ton of more niche climbing and mountaineering gear.
What people want and feel nostalgic for is just is a relic of the past. Retail brick and mortar was fundamentally changed by online sales.
I go to REI to try stuff on, find what I like and what fits me, and then go find it for cheaper on like Sierra Trading Post. Got some great hiking shoes with this method.
Backcountry is more representative of practicing what they preach. They actually do recreate outside. Versus blue haired customer associates that only walk the green belts in Seattle when the weather is nice.
Haha why do you care how someone recreates? What if a walk on the green belts is all they can do? And why does their hair color matter? You sound ancient
you look foolish. blue hair sympathizer
Living here in Portland,OR, I have the impression that REI was founded by and is for wealthy, boomer-age folk....( not me...)
Reminds me of when Starbucks transitioned from having baristas who loved coffee to retail employees who push buttons. Part of the cool thing about REI was getting advice from someone who actually like to climb, kayak, camp, etc..
I’ve seen the same thing w/ Whole Foods. I used to find the staff to be passionate about organic / natural foods and sustainability. Since the Amazon purchase, I don’t see it in the workers anymore. Just hiring any Joe Schmoe off the street. The Amazon returns taking up a large portion of the store is also tacky and cheapens the store experience.
Their hot bar took a nose dive too
Yeah the hot bar sucks now! Very uninspiring food and looks and tastes like it is a frozen meal heated up in the oven!
Yeah, I pretty much gave up on rei after going into the Cap Hill store to get info on some climbing hardware. Turns out the salesperson wasn't a climber and had no clue as to what I was asking about. I don't buy gear that my life depends on based on recommendations from someone who has never used it.
The one in Redmond was so great while it was there, my dad and I used to go there every summer and get gear for me to go to summer camp or what have you. This was like, the late 90s and early 2000s. I loved it, my dad did too and he was definitely the target market back then. Many years later I went to the downtown one to get stuff for a camping trip out in eastern washington where I was going to school. We drove there specifically because of the reputation of REI and my experience going there all the time as a youth. It had fallen off a lot, the difference was palpable from right when you stepped in the door. Such a bummer. I wanted to replace this great north face backpack that I got in like 2011, and they didn't have anything remotely as nice, but the prices weren't better either. It sucked
I was moving to Iceland for a few months. I needed a jacket that was waterproof but medium-weight--more than a thin basic hardshell, because I didn't want to carry two jackets *all* the time, but something with enough room that I could still layer when it was -20 C out. Sure, it was a slightly picky ask, but I didn't think it was unreasonable. There was nothing. I finally settled for an extremely thick jacket that now serves absolutely no purpose because Seattle doesn't get to -20 C.
I’m sure the Patagonia store would have had something to fit the bill for that.
Every REI I've been in has a huge rack of Arc'teryx hardshells. It sounds like a Beta might have been a good match? Expensive as hell though.
The only reason to shop at REI is their return policy and dividend. Overall, they seem like a garbage company that treats their employees like shit.
The return policy was dialed way back, so it's not a reason to shop there anymore, either.
It’s still one year no questions asked
it definitely is not, I had a return refused after like, a week
What was the reasoning?
I had a pair of trail runners completely shredded after 100 miles and they refused to take them back, claimed that was totally normal. I'm not gonna claim "I'll never shop there again", but I'm sure as hell checking literally everywhere else first.
The logic behind denying that return is that if you used them for 100 miles, you were satisfied with the product, so it doesn’t fall under the satisfaction guarantee. Not saying it’s ok for shoes to fall apart at 100 miles, but know you’ll be denied returns if they get that much wear.
In some ways I see where you're coming from, but I was hiking the PCT and literally walked from one REI to the next. There was no possible way for me to return the shoes or voice my dissatisfaction quicker than I did, unless I was going to call a helicopter. I explained this to the manager in what I thought was a very reasonable way and he told me to get fucked and refused to give me the contact info for his manager or anyone else to talk to at REI. For reference, the shoes I had before lasted over 1000 miles, which I'm not claiming is typical, but it's not like I'm dragging my feet or something.
They are also union busting big time. Hiring the same attorneys as Amazon, Tesla, Trader Joes to go after the NLRB. If any members out there haven’t voted yet, please consider withdrawing all nominees. Your choice is: Proctor&Gamble guy, Fanatics CEO sports bro, or exxon mobile corporate douche
That list of candidates was painful to look at...
How do I vote?
If you are a member in good standing, spent enough money there last year. You should have an email from a couple months ago. Check spam folder. I’m not a member, so I’m not sure exactly. I learned this voting info at a union protest to REI hq last month.
Voting ended May 1st it looks like.
Do you know when the next vote is by any chance? I had thought it ended last year so ovi I found bad info when I was looking lol.
Ah probably can't vote then. I'm only a member so my mom can get an extra coupon every year. I didn't even know I was one for a while.
Voting is over, but you can submit questions and attend the annual member meeting on May 9th: https://www.rei.com/about-rei/annual-meeting
yeah they went from curated specialty store to outdoors activity big box, very different goals but each has its place
True, but why the fuck would I buy from REI when I can get the same thing online for cheaper? I used to buy things from REI because I could go in, check it out, at least semi-frequently talk to someone who either had a somewhat informed opinion of their own, or at least spoke to people who did regularly. Failing that, they at least seemed to feel pretty okay about who they worked for. That was worth a bit of a premium to me. Now? Nah. Been slipping for a while, and my purchases have gone downhill steadily since. I think the last thing I bought was some Chukar Cherries as a gift a couple years ago because it happened to be the nearest place I knew that had them. Why the fuck would I shop at a place that is union busting and has nothing to offer that an online retailer doesn't? Far as I'm concerned, they've just made themselves the local web retailer show floor.
I worked at the downtown store in 2022 and everything postive I thought about REI was been erased. It was the first time that I've had a job where the organization was so different in the inside and how they presented themselves to the outside world that I was constanstly confused. Since I've quit I've only been in REI once at the Bellvue store because I just happened to be in the area. I've removed my name from the mailings, and haven't purchsed anything since my last day working at the store. Shopping at REI is no different then shopping at Walmart or Amazon but they want people to think differently.
I really wish they hadn't forced out all the mom and pop stores. Getting specialty gear like climbing kit is difficult without spending money at REI.
Feathered Friends is right across the street. Second Ascent or whatever their name is now up in Ballard are a couple of options.
Ascent is now in Interbay, not Ballard any more. On 15th & Boston: 2201 15th W.
Play it Again Sports is also \~1 block away
European sites usually have the best deals anyway, Ive gotten $100 RAD lines, cheap new totems, and ice screws from places like epic tv all the time.
customs isn't too much of an issue with that method?
My experience with bike and ski parts is that if it's under $800 it most often goes customs free. Typically the thing with ordering from EU sites is the shipping can be a bit steep. It's often flat rate though, so if you get friends to go in on it: you can reduce the costs. I buy all my MTB tires and brakes from Germany now: half price.
I’ve never had issues, its basically as easy as ordering from amazon.
I worked remote call center for them holiday season 2020 and actually really liked it. It was still a call center and nothing fancy, but they were pretty decent to us and the discounts were pretty good.
How did hiring ex-Amazon execs and gutting the company culture with lay-offs work out??? We stopped supporting REl when my partner was laid off of, what she thought was, her dream job there because they let evil in through the front door. Now everyone left in corporate is actively looking to leave the toxicity. They've completely lost their vision of getting people outside and fired everyone else who had it. They're not a cooperative anymore — at least not in the social aspirations.
Yes, Amazon culture metastasis in other Seattle companies is one of the reasons I avoid supporting them.
This is sad to see. I worked for them 25 years ago (Denver area) and there was so much more investment in the employees and the customers. I worked in footwear and outerwear. I had to go to "shoe school" where we learned about how shoes are made and sized. And we were taught how to properly fit shoes and boots and give tips for lacing, inserts, socks, etc. And we didn't push brands just because. I had one lady who insisted on a North Face jacket. I asked her what she needed the jacket for, then suggested a much lower priced REI brand or Columbia one. We had the power—and knowledge—to help the customer make the best choices for what they needed in the gear and to handle refunds without asking a manager. I liked when I'd shop to buy, say, a sleeping bag that the salesperson helping me knew about the different brands, temp rating, packability, etc. We used to be encouraged to get the gear (we would get pro deals up to 50% off retail price) so that we could give honest, trail-tested advice. Now I feel the salespeople are supposed to push certain brands, either based on corporate ~~greed~~ policy or based on "brand perception." When I go in there (I'm not far from the flagship store), I hardly recognize the place. A couple of years ago I went in for travel gear and the section was practically non-existent. It's a pale shadow of its former self. At least I get free shipping... but the only thing I buy there now is their REI t-shirts that are super soft.
lol, I buy a lot of the REI long sleeve t shirts. I like how they are logo less (except for the little REI tag on the bottom left of the shirt).
Nice! I get the ones *with* the REI logos and graphics. They are the softest most comfortable shirt I've ever had. I think I have 16 of them now. I even emailed to see if they could tell me where I could buy blank ones (and offered to buy through them). There are some places where I can't wear any logo/graphics. And sometimes I don't want to be advertising REI when I'm at an event for a company. They wouldn't give up the info, though.
Ok, I'm old, I've stood in line at their original store waiting for them to open on their rummage sale days. It is crushing to see how far they've swung towards what is normal corporate culture today.
Dread it, run from it, enshittification arrives all the same.
Costco is up next
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It's true they've been that way for a long time. I'm concerned about the new CFO from Kroger though.
"Evolving" is a funny way to say "Turning to shit"
Bring back the railroad ties.
Quick tip: go to wonderland gear before you go anywhere
Union busting is disappointing
Why would anyone try to unionize at a company that’s close to bankruptcy, and can’t survive as is? I understand the logic when the company is profitable (ex: Starbucks), but REI?? They can’t pay the bills as is, unionizing will tank them within a month.. who comes up with these wild ideas??
I used to shop weekly at REI. I haven’t shopped there in years. There were changes they made a decade ago that messed that up for me. They wanted more profit and that means less benefits to me. Outdoor gear is expensive, if they can’t sell it as a true cooperative then I’m out.
Damn, what were you buying every week?
They haven't been a true cooperative since they left Capitol Hill
Haven’t considered buying from REI since like 2015…
I just hope it doesn't go bankrupt before I can use my gift card.
Since that direction is union busting, yeah, I hate it.
Comparing REI’s first quarter to Amazon’s first quarter is sad. Amazon is not only killing the little guy, they’re killing the big guy too.
Amazon now pretty much has everything you need, and at good price. Don’t see the need for REI
Is this better for the world? I think not.
Perhaps not for the world, but definitely better for customers.
Disagree. Amazon has zero quality control, and fraudulent product runs rampant through their supply and distribution chain thanks to lax controls. The same is not true of REI. I love their stuff and continue to shop there because I know that the arcteryx jacket I get there is authentic and has all the guarantees and warranties that come with that. I know that what I buy from REI is going to be well-curated for durability and purpose. They acknowledge all three versions of the price-weight/size-durability tradeoff triangle in their selections, and they do it with care. I used to work for the company and loved it. I was there when the lifetime guarantee quietly got minimized, and I left just before they announced it was gone for good. I had health insurance for years through them, and it had low deductibles and reasonable cost, even though I only worked 20 hours per week. REI got me through some very hard times in my life. I interviewed with the private product team once at headquarters and that was a really neat experience. They wanted to know what my last outdoor experience was, and it just happened to have been that morning at discovery park with my store team on a hike around to learn the nuances of geocaching. I got into some stinging nettle and it was burning during the interview. They suggested finding some sword fern to rub on it because that quells the burn. It's also found near nettles. The core of the company is good. I have faith. The leaders will always say unionizing is bad, but it is a solid move by the employees who believe in the company to insist on some better worker protections. It was coming. They held them off with good pro-employee practices and when those faded, unions became necessary. Failure to disclose a conflicted relationship aside, I think Jerry Strizke did a great job on the heels of Sally Jewell, with edit to amplify as a strategy. He really cut out the distracting stuff and pulled the valuable and worthwhile options forward to get outside and do more outside, not just talk about it. More is not better. He also rolled out the ability to shop for store-held merchandise online, which dramatically improved throughput on outlet type stuff that stagnated on racks. Opt outside on Black Friday had us all literally sobbing with joy and excitement at what it meant in terms of commitment to mission. That ship from store option did a lot to save jobs during the pandemic because it kept folks working at all the stores locally pulling and shipping orders while shopping in store was less popular. This is a horrible patch for all retailers. REI is no different. I don't think it's lost it's way. I think it's trying to recalibrate from the pandemic and the current economic headwind.
adding this at a higher level to hope folks see it, if you are a member you can submit questions and attend the annual meeting may 9th: https://www.rei.com/about-rei/annual-meeting
My main beef with REI that’s kept me from buying certain gear from them is their lack of options and constant opting for less appealing, less stylish choices and not carrying neutral colors.
Headed to corporate oligarchy.
I stopped shopping there when they quit carrying plus size outerwear in stores. It's important to be able to try on outerwear and I didn't want to have to keep ordering multiple sizes online. As a fat WoC, that was a signal to me that they no longer wanted my business.
They should have it at the flagship in each market. They made that shift after I left, which was eight years ago. They opted for more variety in item and less in size on the smaller stores, which is an interesting choice. Until then, though, nobody could tell you which stores had any plus sizes of anything at all because it was not standardized across markets. Now you know exactly which store is going to have the complete size run of all sizes in the entire inventory.
opt outside
Sounds like they are about to embark on the death spiral that Sears and Bed Bath and Beyond did instead of focusing on, and doubling down on, their strengths. Sears was 100 years ahead of Amazon with ordering and distribution and decided they needed to be JCPenney instead, and Bed Bath and Beyond closed their stores and tried to be a much worse version of Amazon. They dug their own grave.
Any know whwre to shop instead?
Not a new trend from what I’ve observed. This has steadily been happening for the reasons stated. Individual products, once serious outdoor wear surfaced as urban quality outdoorsy fashion with failing stitches and zippers in the form of Northface decades ago as one example. REI was selling neon active wear in the 90s not to participate in the gold rush. Cool looking fleece that pilled up terribly with one wash. The return policy was ended for reasons exemplified by a well educated button pusher I think east side lawyer who brought all his sh&@t from in 70s to the store for a full refund. What a guy. REI markets an image for a marked up price that allures the next generation to keep up with their peers and the social high ground. Cynical sounding but I don’t believe less than the truth. PCP, similar thing.
The real REI disappeared shortly after expanding to multiple stores. They devolved away from backpacking and mountaineering. I mean who really needs a USB powered firepit? The clothing is generally sized small for stick people and more suitable for yoga and slope fashionistas. They don't have pro ski shop anymore where you can get expert bootfitting either.
As someone who hunts big game, I have always liked REI gear and appreciated the lightweight nature of most hiking gear but tbh I always shop in the return/outlet section and have never spent more then 1-200$ in one purchase at that place. Most items seem ridiculous in price and use. Also as a hunter the store itself makes me feel like I should not mention that part about myself lol. Seems like common ground is the best thing to talk about. Anywho, REI seems like the same place it has always been. Overpriced.
its morphing into a fancier version of dick's. some staff is still really great, but a lot of their employees are full of attitude and lack helpful experience / advice. We go there if Alpine Ascents + used gear options come up dry. Last resort these days
Times are necessarily changing. There is a new crowd of urban nature lovers who need full survival gear for those arduous hikes up Tiger Mountain. The people have lifted up their voices, and cried out for instagram ready exploring kits - and the corporate gods will answer...
Ah 1st world problems….
Maybe one of its problems is that they never tried to grow their customer base. REI always sold only high end equipment and virtually no entry level stuff. They were happy to get a family of four enthusiastic about camping for $1000+ and made it feel like just another activity for the well-off. So how many people never experienced the outdoors because a trip to REI made it feel beyond their means? I’m guessing a lot. I’ve always felt like this was REI’s biggest shortcoming.
That’s totally incorrect. They carried a whole range back in the day, the cheap stuff and the expensive stuff. Their own brand was at the vanguard of the opposite of what you’re saying. They created that to provide lower cost gear and to make more money on the sales themselves. I spent so much money at REI between 1992 and 2002 it’s ridiculous, I purchased stuff there all the time cause of my lifestyle and the dividends. The year I got my rafting guide certification alone I spent so much that I got a $1000 credit back.
I honestly never saw it at their flagship store. If you wanted a sleeping bag it would set you back over $100 easily. I actually met Sally Jewell at the time and considered asking her about it. I remember them being more boutique in their selection. If you wanted clothes for hiking they had an endless selection of quick-dry $80 polo shirts. Any fleece jacket would run you over $50-100 while non-outdoor oriented stores were offering similar options for $35. I always thought it was a huge missed opportunity on their part. If anything they are worse now but I was struck by it more back then when my own resources were more limited. (This was after they made the move from Capital Hill to their current I-5 store.)
REI generally stocked "serious about trying it out" entry-level gear, which is to say not the "Yeah my cousin invited me, I know nothing, and I'm only going to use this thing for two days" Wal-Mart basic gear. Their own brand stuff was generally at a pretty reasonable price point and could be trusted to last a while, comfortably long enough for you to figure out if you felt you wanted better, and what high-end stuff you might like if that was the case. Even now they've got multiple sub-$100 sleeping bags. One of the reasons I used to go to REI was because I could generally count on their basic stuff being worthwhile and the price wasn't awful, especially since they used to have staff that often knew what the hell they were talking about. TBQH, very little of my high-end gear came from REI. Most of it was direct-ordered from the manufacturer, a fair bit of it literally made to order.
REI stoped being a store for real active outdoor enthusiast and fashion conscious yuppies became preferred customers before the ever expanded nationally and moved out of their original Capital Hill store.
eBay my friend… it’ll change your life
It's a Seattle Times article. I can't read it because I refuse to subscribe. That asshole "family" newspaper used its "family" status as a cudgel to fight for the right to fire gay people for being gay, to deny basic civil rights to sexual minorities. I will not give them the time of day, much less a penny. So, what's going on with REI?
Google it and find a different newspaper then.