SEATTLE, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- REI customers can
enjoy snowy adventures this winter at a fraction of the cost.
Starting this month, outdoor enthusiasts from kids to adults can
rent snowshoes in 70 REI stores around the country.
To help more people enjoy outdoor activities and try new gear,
the co-op will continue to expand its rental program with new
products and additional locations throughout 2019. Most gear
available to rent can also be purchased in-store or at REI.com, so
customers can try the best outdoor products before purchasing or
upgrading.
"At REI we believe in the transformative power of spending time
outdoors," says Peter Whitcomb,
director of new business development and head of REI's rental
program. "Factors such as price and storage space can be barriers
to getting outdoors. Offering rental gear makes it that much easier
for people to learn a new hobby, check out new gear, connect with
friends, and get outside."
Today's news marks the beginning of a significant expansion of
REI's gear rental program. Throughout 2019, the co-op will continue
to grow the number of rental locations, breadth of gear and quality
of rental options available to members.
"We're rethinking how we provide high quality gear at lower
prices to our customers, particularly as their behaviors and
expectations change. Our expansion into snowshoe rentals and used
gear is one of the key ways we're evolving our business model to
connect more people to the outdoors," says Whitcomb.
After each season, gently used rental equipment will be sold
through REI's used gear program local garage sales so that REI
members have the option to purchase affordable, pre-loved gear
.
Availability and pricing varies depending on location. REI Co-op
members get a discounted rate on all rental gear. REI offers
outdoor outings and classes on snowshoeing and other winter sports.
Visit REI's list of store programs for more information on winter
classes and availability.
About the REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor
retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation's largest consumer co-op,
REI is a growing community of more than 17 million members who
expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and
trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 154 stores in
35 states and the District of
Columbia. If you can't visit a store, you can shop
at REI.com, REI Outlet or the free REI shopping
app. REI isn't just about gear. You can take the trip of a lifetime
with REI Adventures, a global leader in active adventure travel
that runs more than 170 custom-designed itineraries worldwide. The
REI Outdoor School is run by professionally-trained,
expert-instructors who teach beginner-to advanced-level courses
about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure
that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in
hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and
steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.
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SOURCE REI Co-op