REI is an outdoor retailer / cooperative that provides equipment for hikers, backpackers, as well as other types of outdoor recreationalists. It offers some unique benefits that hikers can take advantage of, and is regarded as one of the best solutions for outdoor equipment.
Membership
REI is regarded as a consumer cooperative, meaning that the consumers are members who own a portion of the corporation. It costs a $20, one-time fee to become a member, and with that you are eligible for 10% back on all purchases, access to member-exclusive products, and are granted access to a 1 year return policy, which hikers find especially useful. The 10% back comes in the form of "Dividends" which are distributed each March for the previous year's purchases.
Affordability
The largest criticism of REI is the affordability. Many hikers find alternatives can be found at other retailers for a fraction of the cost. This is offset by some of the membership benefits, especially the generous return policy, which allows hikers to try out expensive gear with the option of returning it instead of having to entirely commit to a purchase as they would with another retailer.
Opt Outside
REI chooses to close it's brick and mortar stores on Black Friday, the biggest day of the year in terms of retail sales, for what they call the #OptOutside campaign. They encourage people to not indulge in the Black Friday circus and get out to enjoy the outdoors.
Media
REI has a very active YouTube channel and was responsible for creating Miranda In the Wild, which was a regular series on their channel which has since split-off and become it's own channel, known as Miranda Goes Outside. They offer informative content for hikers such as what gear to use, how to recreate in the most Leave No Trace manner, and other content related to the outdoors.
