Member of the Month

abjectwoe
May, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Is REI brand core?

profile picture
brosasaki
Posts: 108 - Karma: 826
On one hand all the jerries who ski three days a season would be getting stuff from REI right? Or maybe just the used stuff...
On the other hand REI is a based co-op (or so I believe) and their branded stuff is pretty nice for the price point
2 years ago
5 2
profile picture
verynormalguy
Posts: 501 - Karma: 8,147
REI’s branded gear is pretty nice, I have had a couple of their shells and I think they’re worth what you pay for them.


while they are a co-op, they’re also aggressively anti-union, and generally outcompete whatever local shops are nearby.
2 years ago
10 0
profile picture
fucintight
Posts: 298 - Karma: 739
the ppl that work there are also usually rly nice but dont know shit unless they have personal experience in what youre asking about

best bet imo is to shop small, there's plenty of ppl/companies in the community that make fairly affordable jackets/pants etc. goodwill and used gear stores are always an option too
verynormalguyREI’s branded gear is pretty nice, I have had a couple of their shells and I think they’re worth what you pay for them.


while they are a co-op, they’re also aggressively anti-union, and generally outcompete whatever local shops are nearby.
2 years ago
2 1
profile picture
dwt802
Posts: 3376 - Karma: 33,255
I don’t think REI was started by skiers with a heavy newschool background.
2 years ago
15 0
profile picture
John18_6
Posts: 7313 - Karma: 49,171
Their procurement team is likely not comprised of skiers who pay close attention to brand relevance. They're more focused on profit margins and delivery dependability when it comes to deciding which brands to stock. Not traditionally considered "core".

Unless you're just talking outerwear, in which case- yeah whatever.
2 years ago
2 0
profile picture
C.R.E.A.M
Posts: 3002 - Karma: 4,702
If a solid ratio of performance to value is considered core then yes
2 years ago
4 0
All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 11:33AM