REI knocks it out of the park in 2013

REI, a leading specialty retailer of outdoor gear and apparel, achieved record annual sales of $2 billion in 2013, up 5.9% from $1.9 billion the previous year, despite a challenging retail environment and severe winter weather.



Comparable store sales, including direct-to-consumer sales, increased 2.9%.



"I'm proud of the results our teams produced in this dynamic retail environment," said president and CEO Jerry Stritzke. "We are working hard to enhance the connection we have with our members and customers, whether through inspiration in one of our stores, an easy and satisfying experience shopping at REI.com, or engaging with us via our mobile platform."



In 2013, REI opened new stores in Overland Park, Kan.; Tyson's Corner, Va.; Silverdale, Wash.; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Oxnard, Calif. As of year-end 2013, REI operated 132 stores in 33 states. In early 2014 REI closed its store in Brentwood, Calif. The co-op also celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2013 and welcomed more than 840,000 new members by the end of the year.



For more than 25 years REI Adventures, the co-op's travel company, has been taking members and families on active adventures around the world. REI Adventures saw a 15% increase in sales last year that brought thousands of travelers to unforgettable destinations close to home and far away.



REI Outdoor School experienced sales growth of more than 25% last year through its in-store and field classes and presentations. REI Outdoor School offers thousands of classes and outings across the country to help people get ready for outdoor adventures. Classes range from How to Ride a Bike to Introduction to Rock Climbing, and outings include such activities as snowshoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding.



In 2013, REI donated more than $3 million to national and community-based nonprofit organizations focused on caring for popular and accessible places where our members play. Since 1976, REI has provided more than $44 million of financial support to local and national nonprofit organizations working on stewardship of natural and scenic places and outdoor recreation causes.