GENERAL

REI is an abbreviation for Recreational Equipment Inc and is privately-held American retail corporation organized as a consumer’s cooperative, selling outdoor recreation gear, sporting goods, and clothe via the internet catalogs. REI has over 100 stores in 27 states. REI headquartered in Kent (Washington). It has distribution centers in Sumner (Washington) and Bedford (Pennsylvania). REI has 9.500 employees, most of them work in the stores and many of whom are part-time. REI is governed by a board of 13 directors, one member being the CEO (Chief Executive Officer).

CONCEPTS

REI has been a trusted retailer of outdoor gear ever since and is now the nation's largest consumer co-op, continuing to return the majority of profits to the members through annual member refunds based on their purchases. While the gear that REI sells for human-powered outdoor recreation has changed, our philosophy and passion for the outdoors haven't. Since the beginning, REI has been committed to helping people enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest-from weekend family camping trips to Mt. Everest expeditions—by offering innovative, high-quality outdoor gear and apparel. REI stores also provide opportunities to learn about the outdoors and muscled-powered sports through frequent in-store clinics, REI sponsored events and through association with local outdoor organizations.

We're also committed to giving back to the communities where we have retail stores by supporting volunteer projects of outdoor-focused community organizations with money, gear and "sweat equity." We believe that by supporting these causes and by introducing youth to the outdoors, together we can prepare the next generation of environmental stewards and protect nature's legacy of trails, rivers and wild lands for years to come. By combining the highest quality outdoor products and staff expertise in a welcoming environment with meaningful programs that encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship, we will be successful in helping to inspire, educate and outfit our members and other customers—from novice to the highly accomplished—for a lifetime of outdoor adventures.


For more than 3.5 million active members and other customers, REI provides the knowledge and confidence to explore and discover new adventures. REI does this through frequent educational clinics and expert advice at the retail stores and at REI.com from trusted REI staffs who share the members' passion for outdoor recreation. Above all, REI provides a convenient and seamless shopping experience, whether at an REI retail store, online, by phone or by mail order. REI offers adventure trips in the outdoors through REI Adventures, our travel division.

BRANDS

In the Rei stores you can find all different kind of brands. At this moment they sell more than 840 brands.
Because they sell that much different brand, there is a big group of people that come to the store, and get their gear. They have to sell that much, so they can fit well in the market. High priced, or low priced..
Examples:
A sleeping bag between $ 50,00 and $ 700,00
Mountain bikes between$ 330,00 and $ 3,299.00
Tents between $ 80,- and $ 800,00

They just got all the brands you need to get the right stuff, for a fair price. Of course there is always a cheaper option, but at Rei, they can guaranty you quality. And that exactly what you need when you’re going out for an activity.

FINANCIAL

At lasts we look at the financial status of REI. The profit of REI in 2009 was approximately $ 29.807.000,-. In 2008 they had a profit of $ 14.466.000,-, so they have increased their profit by $ 15.341.000,-! That’s more than doubled! This is because they have managed to gain more net sales, operating income and lower the cost of sales. The net sales in 2008 were $ 1.434.569.000,- and in 2009 they had increased to $ 1.455.351.000,-.
Also we had a look at the cash flow and belongings of REI. At the end of 2008 they had managed to get a cash flow of $ 140.745.000. After 2009 they have increased this to $ 261.476.000,-. In 2008 their belongings were valued to $ 383.774.000,-. But at the end of 2009 this had decreased to approximately $ 368.085.000,-. This is because there have been a lot of depreciation in 2009.

For Detail information go to: http://www.rei.com/pdf/aboutrei/2009REIFinancialStatements.pdf

HISTORY

Lloyd and Mary Anderson (northwest mountaineers) founded REI in Seattle, Washington in 1938. The Andersons imported an Academ Pickel ice axe from Austria for themselves. Lloyd wanted a reliable tool at a reasonable price but had no success in finding one locally. He eventually found a high-quality model in an Austrian alpine gear catalog for a mere $3.50, shipping included. Through the 1970s it identified itself prominently as REI CO-op, focusing primarily on equipment for serious climbers, backpackers and mountaineering expeditions. However, in the 1980s, with changes to its Board of Directors, the emphasis shifted toward family camping and branched out into kayaking, bicycling, and other outdoor sports. Since 1998, FORTUNE magazine has ranked REI as one of the 100 best companies to work for in America. In 2005, REI placed number 9 on the list, and were inducted into the "Hall of Fame."

Introduction

Hi there!!! What's up???

We would like to welcome you to our blog. We are 4 students studying at NHTV University of Applied Sciences in Breda, the Netherlands.

Anoek: 1st year International Tourism and Leisure Management
Bart: 3th year Logistics and Economics
Wouter: 3th year Logistics and Economics
Maria: 4th year International Tourism and Travel Industries

Right now we are experiencing the 'American Way of Life' during the summer course 2010 in Arizona which is about all about having fun and of course, a little bit of education about typical American concepts. During the 24 days of excitement we gonna raft on the Colorado River, hike and camp in the Grand Canyon, jump on a jeep tour through the mountains of Sedona and much more...! To not miss out on the activities you need good equipment, gear and clothes which you can get at an outdoor store. The well-known American company REI is located all over North America and delivers everything you need for your next adventure. So, we thought that this company fits just perfectly to our assignment about comparing an American concept to the Netherlands. Will it fit or not?

Are you curious about the answer......well just follow our blog!!!

We hope you will enjoy it :)

The Xtreme Team