Companies must seek new paths for reinvention in these modern times in the market of services and products. In this case, it was the same for REI, one of the leading brands in outdoor products and services, specialized in the knowledge of nature, with a great impact in the United States. To the shock of many fans who used the system provided by REI, the goodbye is near and could come sooner than expected for several reasons that we will develop in this article. Since its inception in 1987, this REI experience has been the one that has catapulted it as a benchmark in the area, but now they decide to say goodbye with different arguments.
Farewell to REI: the end of this successful company’s program
Despite not only having the system that will end in January 2025, REI is characterized by selling products and clothing for a better outdoor activity, which also helps to position the brand. However, this still continues to be profitable for the company, contrary to what happens with the Experiences division , which will have its last farewell. This is the company’s department in charge of providing travel systems, expeditions, medical care and various activities to adventurers willing to leave their experience in their hands. This has brought great repercussion due to massive layoffs at REI.
A total of 428 employees were laid off from the company on January 8, bringing an end to the Experiences business, ending the company’s tradition of outdoor adventure and excursion services in tourist and not-so-touristy parts of the United States. Among the people who have lost their jobs are 180 full-time employees and some 248 guides who had their jobs at the activity sites. According to REI CEO Eric Artz, the lack of profitability has put a definitive end to the company’s lowest grossing division in the last year. With a total of 40,000 people signing up for packages in 2024, it appears that customers are no longer looking for this service as much. This is demonstrated by the difference in bookings from previous years, when Experiences was a resounding success.
The end of an era
With the farewell to Experiences at REI, it is clear that the company will focus on other axes, providing more funds that will no longer go to campaigns to promote or pay salaries in the closed section. Now, as the company looks to say goodbye to running, camping and outdoor excursions, it will focus on advancing other aspects of the brand. Such as the sale of products to make the adventurers’ inventory more efficient, and not so much in services such as Experiences. Despite the bad news, Artz has stated that REI’s goals are still on track and this is not a setback for future plans in 2025.
On the side of those laid off,workers will receive severance in this regard, with COBRA medical coverage and early outplacement support for new employment. Also, the unemployed will now have benefits until January and next month they will collect the corresponding money from the company.
