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I recently learned that the REI board chose to make a new rule that only allows candidates appointed by the existing board eligible for leadership positions in what was formerly a co-op. Objectively this makes board elections meaningless and the brand no longer a co-op.
There's some other stuff too but I'll keep my opinions out of it so we don't get derailed. My wife used to work for that company and it seems quite a lot changed while she was there and quite a lot more has continued to change after, needless to say my opinions about the place have changed as well.
I know a lot of people only shop based on price and availability, but I see all these things as connected - the quality of the goods on offer and the quality of the service is directly influenced by the quality of the organization offering them and if REI's just another Amazon.. well Amazon's got better prices.
Yeah, I've been a supposed member for many years, but do not frequent it as often as I used to, for no other reason than it was closer to where I used to live than now, althought I do drive by it often come to think. But I do usually at least preview any new products I am looking at buying at REI. Especially those things I want to check out in person, get a handle and test it before buying. I am actually surprized that REI is still surviving , in light of all the economic change with online versus big box type stores. Especially with it being such a Out doors activity sort of niche.
It will be interesting to see what direction they go after making these changes, and what come of it.
I, in a way, stopped shopping at REI a while ago... I guess, mostly because I don't need anything for the outdoors now but also, I find that the markup is excessive (even with the dividend).
I miss GoLite. They were a great small company that tried to go it direct to the public by cutting out the big retailers. Unfortunately, they didn't make it. They used to have an outlet store at Anthem Outlet Mall and I purchased several of my ultralight gear items there while they were open.