Are REI prices good?

Thankfully, the prices at REI are competitive with other retailers, and you can often find some truly great deals on some of the highest quality outdoor gear available, whether it is a tent, sleeping bag, climbing gear, or pretty much any kind of hiking gear.

Is REI a reputable company?

REI has a consumer rating of 3.46 stars from 168 reviews indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. REI ranks 140th among Outdoor Equipment sites.

What makes REI stand out?

REI and other specialty retailers have the unique ability to focus their efforts on catering to a niche group of consumers. Unlike mass merchants, they can focus on boosting the quality of a smaller selection of products and price is less of a cut-throat battle among competitors.

Who is REI biggest competitor?

REI competitors include The North Face, Patagonia, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation and Matador Resources Company.

Is REI high quality?

REI primarily sells high quality name brand equipment at competitive prices. They provide a 10\% annual dividend / rebate on regular price items. They also have a return policy that allows you to actually use the items in real life and if it doesn’t work like you want you can return it for refund or replacement.

Is REI expensive?

The REI membership fee of $20 is good for a lifetime membership. So the more years that you have an REI membership, the less it actually ends up costing. If you are buying gear over $200, it pays for itself immediately.

Does REI give military discount?

REI does not offer an individual Military Discount, but they do offer a discount for large Military groups and have other options for saving. You can sign up for the Co-op Membership to get the beset savings on items as well as events.

Is REI actually a coop?

It is organized as a consumers’ co-operative. REI sells sporting goods, camping gear, travel equipment, and clothing. It also offers services such as outdoor-oriented vacations and courses.

Why is REI called a coop?

A cooperative, roughly defined, is a business that’s owned not by shareholders but by members—people who use the business, such as its shoppers, producers or employees. REI is a consumer co-op, and the largest in the country. Like some credit unions and food co-ops, its membership base is composed of its customers.

What does REI do with profits?

Each year, REI returns about 70\% of its profits back to the outdoor community, supporting employee retirement, helping fund trail work, returning dividends to members and supporting nonprofits that help get people outside.

What is REI’s competitive advantage?

REI’s distinct competitive advantage is the vast size of active members. The value is not only in customer loyalty but also the data these members have generated through the years.