REI Co-op Opts into Fostering More Outdoor Activity with New Initiative
Well-known national running retailer REI Co-op continues to lead the charge for running outdoors with more efforts. The campaign includes brand new apparel lines and in-store/digital services to better help consumers with their running and health goals
In hopes of encouraging more people to embrace running outdoors, leading national running retailer REI Co-op has launched a number of new products and experiences for REI consumers. For instance, consumers of the longstanding sports equipment company will find new apparel lines such as their Swiftland Running collection this year. Runners can also expect to see up to date in-store and digital implements courtesy of REI, including running footwear fit services and more programs suited to give one-on-one assistance for the best encounter possible.
REI Run General Manager Fan Zhou declared the corporation’s current, unique ability to perfectly cater to its loyalists with the new initiative, saying, “REI’s run business has grown more than 65 percent since 2019. As interest and demand for run continues to grow, the co-op is uniquely positioned to serve runners of all skill levels.”
He added, “From those participating in their first marathon or seeking a new solo sport, to seasoned athletes looking to set a new personal best or explore new running routes and terrain, we’re committed to being their partner and one-stop-shop for gear, inspiration, tips, training and more.”
REI Co-op will further integrate itself into the community, especially with local run clubs, and both partner with and assist underrepresented groups. In fact, a $30 million investment will be granted to 300 Black, Indigenous, LatinX, and Asian American Pacific Islander entrepreneurs to help with their businesses. Through its Cooperative Action Fund, REI has also been dedicated to assisting “organizations promoting justice, equity and belonging in the outdoors to strengthen the health and well-being of people and communities,” like the Black Girls Run Foundation.
REI Co-op continues to use ongoing company research in order to strengthen its existing commodities while introducing new ones to the public. The business’s 2021 Impact Report revealed a $3.7 billion in co-op sales throughout the year, $7.1 million of investments from more than 450 nonprofit partners and over 21 million members subscribed to their lifetime membership program alone. They must be doing something right.
