REI news and archive

Walmart among US retailers backing Unspun’s domestic automated production hubs

A number of US retailers, including Walmart and REI, have signed letters of support for Unspun’s plan to build automated apparel manufacturing hubs in the US using AI-enabled 3D weaving technology. The initiative aims to bring production closer to consumers at a commercial scale, supported by supply chain partners such as Bethel Industries,...

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REI Co-op names Kim Waldmann as chief commercial officer

US outdoor retailer REI Co-op has appointed Kim Waldmann as its chief commercial officer. Waldmann, who will take up the role from March 9, has been tasked with bringing together elements of the company’s ecosystem across stores, e-commerce and operations. She joins REI from Foot Locker, where she most recently served as global chief customer...

Retail

US retail industry outlook: Store closures persist into early 2026

Following a year marked by extensive store closures in 2025 – from the bankruptcy and eventual collapse of Joann Fabrics, to major network restructurings at Macy’s and Kohl’s – the US retail industry is likely anticipating some respite in the year. However, turbulence appears set to persist, at least through early 2026. Data from Business...

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Outdoor retailer REI welcomes Mary Beth Laughton as new CEO

Seattle headquartered outdoor retailer REI president & CEO, Eric Artz has announced his retirement in March, marking a new chapter in the co-op's 87-year history. “Serving you and this enduring organization has been the honor of my professional life,” said Artz in a letter to the employees. The company said in a release that Mary Beth Laughton,...

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Business

REI comes under fire for allegations of labour rights violations

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) has become the subject of allegations surrounding “serious and pervasive violations of labour rights in the supply chain”. This is according to a new report by the Students for International Labor Solidarity (SILS) and the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMASS), responding to complaints made by sources...

Retail

REI Co-op plans 10 store openings in 2024

Outerwear retailer REI Co-op has said that it is planning to open 10 stores throughout 2024, with each location to offer a wide selection of product categories, including gear for camping, running and fitness. Among the already confirmed locations which will see store openings in spring are Beavercreek and Beaverton in Ohio, while further areas...

Retail

REI Co-op to open Re/Supply store for used apparel

Outdoor retailer REI Co-op is preparing to open a store dedicated to pre-used gear and apparel in late August 2023 in Clackamas, Oregon. Dubbed Re/Supply, the 16,113 square foot space will sit a few doors down from the company’s existing store which has been in the town centre since 2007, and will further add to the eight REI stores already...

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Fashion |Report

Trove releases inaugural Brand Resale Index

Trove, which provides resale and trade-in services for fashion brands, has launched its inaugural Brand Resale Index evaluating resale adoption and trends across 40 brands spanning fashion/apparel, outdoor, footwear, and luxury. The Index, conducted in partnership with OSF Digital, has assessed brands on 147 different criteria across brand...

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Business

REI Co-op appoints Patrick Fell as VP, financial planning and analysis

Outdoor retailer REI Co-op has announced the appointment of Patrick Fell as vice president, financial planning and analysis, effective November 7. Fell has been tasked with leading strategic financial strategies across the company, including driving efficiency in its annual planning and forecasting processes. In a release, REI Co-op’s executive...

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Business

REI Co-op adds two new appointments to senior leadership team

Outdoor specialist REI Co-op has announced two new additions to its senior leadership team, including the company’s first senior vice president, chief supply chain officer. The newly created role will be taken on by Slyvia Wilks, who will be joining the company from TireHub and brings over 25 years of experience in the retail and consumer...

Retail

Why workers at an REI store voted to join a union

Workers at the New York City flagship of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) voted to join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), which will now be the first union at any store for the outdoor gear retailer. The vote, which took place in-person at the SoHo location on March 2 was an overwhelming win for the union with...

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Retail

How the pandemic brought an REI store to a union vote

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), the Seattle-based retail chain for outdoor gear and apparel, may have their first unionized store this week as over one hundred employees at the New York City flagship are set to vote this Wednesday, March 2 on whether or not they will join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). The SoHo...