61–70 of 119 posts
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It's worth noting that REI is a co-op, which means it's owners are actually it's customers.
I'd never actually dealt with a co-op before REI. The profits shared aren't huge, but combined with the membership discount it's often cheaper than shopping online resellers. I'm impressed.
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EMS used to be a go-to of mine. High prices, but good student discounts and sales. I stuck with them because they were incredibly good to their customers - they actually cared about getting people outside and had permanent return/replace on their gear. But... then an equity firm bought them out. The discounts shrunk, the warranty vanished, and even for material defects within a year there's enormous flak when you try…
Although REI also eliminated their lifetime guarantee. It's apparently really hard for this type of store to scale and stay at least somewhat aligned with their initial vision. They almost all become clothing and gear stores oriented to well-off urbanites who want to project an outdoorsy vibe. I agree that, among relatively large chains, REI has stayed closer to its roots than most.
IIRC, that was due to blatant abuse (e.g. people scrounging up worn-out stuff from garage sales to trade in for new).
http://www.dailyemerald.com/2013/06/04/rei-changes-infamous-...
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I'd never actually dealt with a co-op before REI. The profits shared aren't huge, but combined with the membership discount it's often cheaper than shopping online resellers. I'm impressed.
Well technically speaking, REI profits aren't huge because its a retailer. You're looking at generally 2-10% margin businesses.
As a member, I get an annual dividend from REI. I can assure you that sending customers money is a great way to engender loyalty.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
EMS used to be a go-to of mine. High prices, but good student discounts and sales. I stuck with them because they were incredibly good to their customers - they actually cared about getting people outside and had permanent return/replace on their gear. But... then an equity firm bought them out. The discounts shrunk, the warranty vanished, and even for material defects within a year there's enormous flak when you try…
Although REI also eliminated their lifetime guarantee. It's apparently really hard for this type of store to scale and stay at least somewhat aligned with their initial vision. They almost all become clothing and gear stores oriented to well-off urbanites who want to project an outdoorsy vibe. I agree that, among relatively large chains, REI has stayed closer to its roots than most.
I assume there are smaller co-ops that are truer to their intentions, but I suspect economies of scale might leave them with very high prices.
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I especially appreciate this when I visit REI as a Canadian. Our REI 'knock off' MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop) was inspired by REI, but in the last few years has diverged away from enthusiast mountain equipment and a lot more toward urban oriented fitness activities such as running, yoga and cycling. I still like MEC, but I like how committed REI has been toward hiking, camping and more backcountry activities.
That is a shame to hear. As recently as 2011 I thought that MEC's house brand gear was much higher quality and had better design and features than REI's house brand. The MEC stuff I bought was comparable to some of that made by more specialist outdoor manufacturers and was a fraction of the price. I still have most of it, and the things I gave away are still in use. I think REI very much caters to the car camper and…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Although REI also eliminated their lifetime guarantee. It's apparently really hard for this type of store to scale and stay at least somewhat aligned with their initial vision. They almost all become clothing and gear stores oriented to well-off urbanites who want to project an outdoorsy vibe. I agree that, among relatively large chains, REI has stayed closer to its roots than most.
> Although REI also eliminated their lifetime guarantee. IIRC, that was due to blatant abuse (e.g. people scrounging up worn-out stuff from garage sales to trade in for new). http://www.dailyemerald.com/2013/06/04/rei-changes-infamous-...
So, yes, I understand why they cut the guarantee but, as a longtime customer, I don't like it. (I assume they're still reasonable on a case-by-case basis.)
REI is my favorite toy store. I know their prices are higher than, say, Wal-Mart, but I actually feel good supporting them. Plus, you can find insanely good sales if you're a member and you go to their garage sales. One year I got an entire ski setup (boots, skis, bindings, and installation) for under $300. Ended up reselling them for like $500 3 years later when I moved away from Boston. Got great boots at a garage…
It's mine too. Do they advertise garage sales or you have to be friends with the store manager to get the scoop?
I have a lot of appreciation for the fact that, despite how large the company has become, it's very clear that outdoorsiness is still a big part of the REI's DNA, especially with so many companies these days owned by private equity firms that seem to be most interested in milking their brands for all they're worth.
EMS used to be a go-to of mine. High prices, but good student discounts and sales. I stuck with them because they were incredibly good to their customers - they actually cared about getting people outside and had permanent return/replace on their gear. But... then an equity firm bought them out. The discounts shrunk, the warranty vanished, and even for material defects within a year there's enormous flak when you try…
REI is my favorite toy store. I know their prices are higher than, say, Wal-Mart, but I actually feel good supporting them. Plus, you can find insanely good sales if you're a member and you go to their garage sales. One year I got an entire ski setup (boots, skis, bindings, and installation) for under $300. Ended up reselling them for like $500 3 years later when I moved away from Boston. Got great boots at a garage…
> REI is my favorite toy store. It's mine too. Do they advertise garage sales or you have to be friends with the store manager to get the scoop?