REI, better known as Recreational Equipment is a company that sells sporting goods, outdoor gear and apparel. The company was founded in 1938 by Mary Lloyd Anderson, and has been a co-op since the beginning. Being a co-op has allowed REI to focus on the long-term interests of not just themselves, but their members and customers as well. (rei.com overview, 2018) The company operates 154 stores in 36 states in America, but also receives income from purchases made via magazine and online. In the 1970's Rei focused mainly on equipment for backpackers, mountaineering expeditions and serious climbers. However, in the 1980's REI branched out into more of a family company, selling kayaking, bicycling, and other outdoor sporting equipment. (Wikipedia.org) The mission statement found at REI reads as follows "We are passionate about the outdoors and committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear …show more content…
This is one of the best ways that he has found to engage employees in dialogue and find out what is working and what is not for the company. Once a quarter, REI holds a meeting of about 200 employees. But, instead of putting each employee on the hot spot, they arrange post cards around the room and employees can write their questions on the card. As well at the quarterly meetings, Rei has opened up communication online for employees to ask questions or voice any concerns that they may be having. Rei has control over operations by selling in stores, online, and by magazines. Because they are a co-op company, REI is owned by its members and customers. Customers are not just about good prices, but they also want to see good quality and new products. This ensures that all production made by REI is demanded by not just a single owner or CEO, but by its customers. (Morse,