[cairn builder]

I have a generally favorable view of REI, and I shop there as a result. I have a slightly negative to indifferent view of most REI brand items. So I mostly get other things there. My water purifier, stove, backpack, puffy, and tent came from REI. Bag was from Western. It's a shame REI carries so much North Face and Nike and doesn't sell top of the line stuff like WM jackets. The main thing is if I ever have a problem with anything they ever sold me, they'll make it right. I know that's not exactly true anymore, after a decade and a half being a member there it's still a shock. I don't even use their return policy much, I like knowing I'll be taken care of if there's ever an egregious problem, I won't be left high and dry. I don't know who this lady is that people are talking about. Some background may be in order.

[Bedivere]

[Malachai Constant]

MSR was founded by Larry Penberthy in the late 60's after REI sold defective locking carabiners in a box at the register marked "not for climbing" and refused to stop selling wood handled ice axes that rangers were breaking at paradise. He first sold fiberglass reinforcing kits then designed his own aluminum axes for$10 and drove the wood axes off the market, an admirable example of free enterprise in action.

[Daryl]

REI disgusts me. I do all my shopping at Walmart now.

[509]

[Slide Alder Slayer]

Maybe it’s easier to understand REI’s transition with the unfortunate demise of MMW. I think Cascade Climber has a good handle on it especially with the internet which is a main driver in the direction REI is going with the push for more distribution hubs for faster online delivery and including store inventory to fill online orders. I agree REI has changed but there is very little profit motive differential between a non-profit and a regular corporation, it’s basically just who owns the company and shares the profits. Whether we like it or not the outdoor industry is a national/world economy and a business can be a well-run innovative cottage industry or startup as previously mentioned in a previous post or I think you have to be big. A company like Marmot Mountain Works or Wilderness Sports would have a hard time these days. I hope Pro Mountain Sports continues although I am more optimistic about Feathered Friends because of their down manufacturing.

[trestle]

Did something happen to MMW?

[Slide Alder Slayer]

I’m so glad Walmart is such a blessing to all the small businesses in the communities where it opens stores and it a leader in gender equality, salary, and benefits for it’s’ store employees.

[Randito]

[cascadeclimber]

I got a response to my recent email to REI today. They say they settled with Monika's estate "some time ago" (must have been between May and now). I'm still not okay with this resolution taking six years, but at least it's settled (or at least REI says it is).

[Layback]

I no longer shop at REI unless I need to borrow something for less than 30 days and I don't have a friend who can loan it.

[tigermn]

[Daryl]

[coldrain108]

The Downtown REI seems more like a pick-up bar than an outdoor retailer.

[Bedivere]

I was just at REI yesterday. Picked up a barely used pair of Merrell goretex trail runners in the gear garage for $35. Return reason on the tag: "Footbed hurts feet." I put them on as soon as I got home and went for a 3 mile walk with my dog and found them extremely comfortable. Unfortunately, not one woman there tried to pick me up. I'd love to have an attractive hiker girl flirt with me at REI, but it's never happened. Maybe they should start serving beer. Bought my last backpack there too, an ultralight Osprey. Waited 'til it went on sale. I don't get all the hate. REI is a big outdoor retailer, like many others. I've bought many things from them throughout the years and probably will buy many more things. I've never cared all that much about their guarantee 'cause I make sure the clothes/shoes I buy fit right before I pay for them and I'm not the type to take something back if it breaks after a couple years of hard use. Face it - the days of REI being a small, niche retailer with highly knowledgeable staff are long, long gone, never to return. such retailers are an endangered species as we've seen most recently with MMW closing. You can pine for the days of yore or you can live in the present. I know which i prefer.