Since 1938 REI has been anything but a typical retail store. Started by a group of 23 mountaineers REI has always been driven by an exciting hands-on atmosphere and welcome outdoor enthusiasts of every level. Their 78 stores across the nation are best known as "adventure sights," equipped with facilities like bike test trails, climbing pinnacles and camp stove demonstration tables. When you walk into an REI store, it's evident that you've come to the right place if you're looking for an education about your particular fancy. REI offers first-time customers the opportunity to become a part of the REI organization by becoming a "Cooperative Member" for a small fee of $15. Not only does being a co-op member mean getting special deals and refunds on certain products, but you also receive a portion of the cooperative's profits each year. In addition, members can vote for REI's board of directors, something that really makes customers feel involved. REI's business is getting personal with their entire customer base, having built the largest consumer cooperative in their field. Founded by people who actually use the stuff they sell, REI continues to offer incentives for their employees by letting them take their equipment out of the store and into the realm of real life use. With a staff fully invested in their product, REI provides the exciting atmosphere necessary to succeed in the world of retail.

In addition to the experience-oriented store adventure, REI recognizes the importance of community involvement in outdoor activities, and sees the physical and emotional benefit in encouraging active lives. From frequent in-store clinics to REI sponsored events with local outdoor organizations, REI strives to teach both the young and old about outdoor adventures. According to a recent Leisure Trends Group national survey, taking an adventure vacation topped the list of things sought most by Americans if money was no object. Survey respondents chose adventure travel among several other popular leisure-time activities, including a beach and mountain vacation. (Source: LeisureTRAK® Report, vol. 4, iss. 3, September 2005.) "REI Adventures" has been meeting this increasing need offering small group tours which avoid standard tourist routes and emphasize outdoor activity. They include packages such as: Tour du Mont Blanc in France, Italy, and Switzerland; Tuscan Hiking in Italy; The Inca Trail in Peru; Classic Antarctica; and much more.

Finally, REI exemplifies a commitment to community and the environment by emphasizing by offering grants to employee-sponsored programs. Store employees at REI personally handed checks and gear in June and July of 2005 to 160 conservation groups and outdoor recreation clubs nationwide. The grants, which range from $2,000 to $10,000, go to organizations nominated by employees, with a total awarded amount of $780,000. In 2005, REI gave over $2.5 million back to the communities, helping with an assortment of projects from trail building to river conservation and wild land awareness. Each store promotes a local environmental project that's focused on preserving the ecosystem within that community. Youth are also involved through REI's PEAK program (Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids), a program that develops outdoor ethics through fun, interactive programs. REI is one of our favorite examples of a meaningful company thanks to their promotion of a healthier life and more meaningful shopping.