REI's Departure from Santa Monica Due to Crime According to Local Business Group [John Alle who clearly is an idiot about real estate and retail] 

Santa Monica Observer

mobserved.com

The loss of this retail anchor is significant when it is already difficult to get retail tenants to move into downtown

December 5, 2023 - REI announced last week that it is closing its location in downtown Santa Monica. The store replaced the previous tenant, Toys 'R Us, in 2006 at the two-story location at Santa Monica Boulevard and 4th Street. The Santa Monica REI location will close on February 29 of next year.

Statements from the company about the reason for the store closure vaguely refer to "the positive impact of the store, our market presence, and external factors" as reasons for the departure. "The overall operating environment has also changed and the cost to do business," said store spokesman Megan Behrbaum.

But according to John Alle of the Santa Monica Coalition, a local business group:

 the primary driver for the store closure was 

1. the high crime and 

2. unsafe and 

3. unpleasant environment 

4. that has been expanding on the Third Street Promenade and throughout downtown Santa Monica. 

5. "It was specifically crime that made REI leave," John Alle said in a telephone interview. He said that along with 

6. the demolition of Parking Structure 3 that serviced downtown shoppers and workers, 

7. the store management could not tolerate the regularly smashed storefront windows in the area, 

8. the daily theft, and 

9. employees who were both scared to be on premises and to travel to and from work. 

10. The bus stop alone that is in front of the store is known as the most dangerous in Santa Monica, with people "physically accosted, threatened, and robbed directly in front," according to Alle.

Alle says that in April, when REI was starting to consider whether or not to renew their lease, he suggested city officials meet with the management of REI and of Burke Williams, Foot Locker and other retail and restaurant owners to discuss the deteriorating conditions in downtown and possible actions to clean up the area. Alle said he asked now-Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis, Councilmembers Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre, and Police Chief Ramon Batista to meet and at least "show they cared." He received no replies to his invitation.

According to Alle, the managers of Foot Locker and REI were eager to talk and "rattled" by the robberies at the Adidas store and the storefront window smashings. According to management, REI employees were "really scared to walk in and to walk out."

REI

The outdoor outfitter store has been a mainstay in downtown Santa Monica since 2006

Santa Monica officials made light of REI's departure. Santa Monica Communications and Public Information Manager Lauren Howland told the SMDP, 

• "While we hate to see a business close, we're pleased with the level of economic investment and activity we're seeing in downtown Santa Monica and throughout the city."

Alle disputes this characterization of the city's downtown. 

• "Aside from the Santa Monica Place (half empty mall), the [REI] retail space is one of the largest single-standing in all of Santa Monica," he wrote in an email. 

• "This loss will have yet another negative ripple effect on the Promenade, all of Downtown business, and needed City revenues."

https://www.smobserved.com/story/2023/12/18/business/reis-departure-from-santa-monica-due-to-crime-according-to-local-business-group/7971.html

REI's Departure from Santa Monica Due to Crime According to Local Business Group

Santa Monica Observer smobserved.com

The loss of this retail anchor is significant when it is already difficult to get retail tenants to move into downtown

Alyssa Erdley, Observer Staff | Dec 18, 2023

From <https://www.smobserved.com/story/2023/12/18/business/reis-departure-from-santa-monica-due-to-crime-according-to-local-business-group/7971.html>

December 5, 2023 - REI announced last week that it is closing its location in downtown Santa Monica. The store replaced the previous tenant, Toys 'R Us, in 2006 at the two-story location at Santa Monica Boulevard and 4th Street. The Santa Monica REI location will close on February 29 of next year.

Statements from the company about the reason for the store closure vaguely refer to "the positive impact of the store, our market presence, and external factors" as reasons for the departure. "The overall operating environment has also changed and the cost to do business," said store spokesman Megan Behrbaum.

But according to John Alle of the Santa Monica Coalition, a local business group, the primary driver for the store closure was the high crime and unsafe and unpleasant environment that has been expanding on the Third Street Promenade and throughout downtown Santa Monica. "It was specifically crime that made REI leave," John Alle said in a telephone interview. He said that along with the demolition of Parking Structure 3 that serviced downtown shoppers and workers, the store management could not tolerate the regularly smashed storefront windows in the area, the daily theft, and employees who were both scared to be on premises and to travel to and from work. The bus stop alone that is in front of the store is known as the most dangerous in Santa Monica, with people "physically accosted, threatened, and robbed directly in front," according to Alle.

Alle says that in April, when REI was starting to consider whether or not to renew their lease, he suggested city officials meet with the management of REI and of Burke Williams, Foot Locker and other retail and restaurant owners to discuss the deteriorating conditions in downtown and possible actions to clean up the area. Alle said he asked now-Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis, Councilmembers Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre, and Police Chief Ramon Batista to meet and at least "show they cared." He received no replies to his invitation.

According to Alle, the managers of Foot Locker and REI were eager to talk and "rattled" by the robberies at the Adidas store and the storefront window smashings. According to management, REI employees were "really scared to walk in and to walk out."

Santa Monica officials made light of REI's departure. Santa Monica Communications and Public Information Manager Lauren Howland told the SMDP, "While we hate to see a business close, we're pleased with the level of economic investment and activity we're seeing in downtown Santa Monica and throughout the city."

Alle disputes this characterization of the city's downtown. "Aside from the Santa Monica Place (half empty mall), the [REI] retail space is one of the largest single-standing in all of Santa Monica," he wrote in an email. "This loss will have yet another negative ripple effect on the Promenade, all of Downtown business, and needed City revenues."

https://www.smobserved.com/story/2023/12/18/business/reis-departure-from-santa-monica-due-to-crime-according-to-local-business-group/7971.html

REI MARINA DEL REY CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING

AUGUST 28, 2023

REI MARINA DEL REY GRAND OPENING

THE COMMUNITY IS INVITED TO CELEBRATE ON SEPTEMBER 8-10, 2023

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 8th, when REI Co-op opens the doors of its brand-new Marina del Rey store. You’re not going to want to miss this three-day extravaganza filled with outdoor brands, nonprofit partners, and a fantastic afternoon social. The spacious, 23,500 square-foot store is located on the corner of Mindanao and Admiralty Way at Boardwalk MDR shops.

The grand celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. daily. Savor a complimentary cup of Verve coffee and snag an exclusive camp mug when you make a donation to a local non-profit. But hurry, giveaways are only available while supplies last. Click here to visit the REI website for more information on participating partners.

CALLING ALL NATURE ENTHUSIASTS: EXPLORE REI’S OUTDOOR HAVEN

If you’re a nature lover through and through, REI is your ultimate destination for outdoor gear and apparel. Whether you’re into camping, hiking, cycling, running, fitness, paddling, or any other outdoor pursuit, you’ll find everything you need here.

But wait, there’s more! The REI store in MDR is also home to a specialty bike and ski shop. Staff will be ready to provide professional tuning, waxing, and repairs to keep your gear in tip-top shape.

“We look forward to serving everyone in Marina del Rey and those who visit this incredible community,” said Jason Ball, REI Marina del Rey store manager. 

Love the outdoors and want to get paid for it? Join the REI team! Visit the REI Marina del Rey jobs page to apply.

Looking for more fun events in the Marina? Click here to view the Marina del Rey events calendar. 

From <https://visitmdr.com/2023/08/28/rei-marina-del-rey-celebrates-grand-opening>

REI to Open Store in Marina del Rey

Spring 2023 opening slated for specialty outdoor retailer at The Boardwalk of Marina del Rey

Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open a new store in Marina del Rey soon. 

According to a press release from the company, the store is set to open in spring 2023 at The Boardwalk of Marina del Rey; 4655 Admiralty Way. 

The location will offer a wide assortment of apparel, gear and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, paddling, climbing, snow sports and more. In addition, there will be a full-service bike shop will be staffed by certified mechanics. The store will also have a ski and snowboard shop with professional tuning, waxing and repairs.

“A Marina del Rey location will allow us to better serve REI members and others who live, work and visit the amazing coastal community,” said Steve Lochan, REI’s divisional vice president of retail. “The store will be next to a path popular with those who enjoy time outside for fitness or relaxing in the sun on a waterfront patio or boat.”

The store is expected to be around 24,000 square feet. 

REI expects to hire approximately 50 employees for REI Marina del Rey. Candidates interested in joining the REI team can apply online at REI.com/jobs and a general timeline for hiring is here. Candidates can set up a job alert on the co-op’s career site to be notified when positions are posted.

By Yo Venice StaffDecember 21, 2022

 in News, Upbeat Beat

From <https://yovenice.com/2022/12/21/rei-to-open-store-in-marina-del-rey/>

REI Co-op To Open New Store In Marina Del Rey

Outdoor retailer REI announced the company is planning to open a new store in Marina del Rey to further service its members in LA.

Rachel Barnes,Patch Staff

Posted Mon, Nov 28, 2022

The location is projected to open in spring 2023 and will offer apparel, gear and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, paddling, climbing, snow sports and more outdoor activities (Shutterstock)

MARINA DEL REY, CA — Outdoor retailer REI announced the company is planning to open a new store in Marina del Rey to further service 1.7 million of its members in LA County.

The location is projected to open in spring 2023 and will offer apparel, gear and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, paddling, climbing, snow sports and more outdoor activities. Along with retail offerings, the store will also have a full-service bike shop with certified mechanics and a ski and snowboard shop with professional tuning, waxing and repairs.

“A Marina del Rey location will allow us to better serve REI members and others who live, work and visit the amazing coastal community,” said Steve Lochan, REI’s divisional vice president of retail. “The store will be next to a path popular with those who enjoy time outside for fitness or relaxing in the sun on a waterfront patio or boat.”

Outside of the Marina del Rey location. the closest locations nearby are in Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach.

Along with the store, REI Experience will continue to host events to help locals connect people with the outdoors. This includes the year-round kayaking classes that depart from the Marina del Rey public boat launch.

From <https://patch.com/california/marinadelrey/rei-co-op-open-new-store-marina-del-rey>

 DECISION POINT

The decision to close the Santa Monica store was most likely made in early 2022, ahead of the announcement 22 Nov 2022 of a new Marina del Rey store. This suggests unsuccessful negotiations for a lease renewal in Santa Monica, prompting a location search for a 'suburban' smaller location.

Comments on Reddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/REI/comments/189kfzd/byebye_rei_outdoors_outlet_set_to_shut_santa/?rdt=43026

REI Santa Monica - Press release

From <http://web.archive.org/web/20240213003721/https://www.rei.com/stores/santa-monica>

Thank you for 17 great years

We are sorry to let you know the REI Co-op store in Santa Monica, CA will close permanently on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 6pm.

• The last day you may place a Buy Online, Pick Up In Store order will be Wednesday February 14, 2024.

• The last day you may drop off your bikes, skis and snowboards to be serviced will be Thursday, February 21, 2024.

• If you have a recent order or equipment in our shop awaiting pickup, the Santa Monica location will be open through Thursday, February 29, 2024 for you to pick up your order via Curbside Pickup.

Even though this location is closing, we still have plenty of ways to help you get outside. We hope you'll continue to find the outdoor gear you need at our nearby stores or online atREI.com.   

Thank you for your continued support.  

Sincerely,  

CEO 

From <http://web.archive.org/web/20240213003721/https://www.rei.com/stores/santa-monica>

 LINKEDIN Post by Steve Lochan Divisional VP, Retail @ REI | MBA

Exciting news to share! 🔥🔥🔥

Our Marina del Rey store enables the co-op to better serve our 1.7M REI members and the outdoor community in SoCal. 🌴🌊

REI actively partners with nonprofits across the nation to steward and maintain local trails and public lands to connect more people to the outdoors. Last year, the co-op invested $7.1 million in 450+ nonprofits across the country, of which more than $1.2 million went to 75 nonprofits in California. 

Beyond its retail presence, REI Experiences help residents and visitors connect to the region's natural places through fully guided outdoor tours, workshops and events. Over the last five years, the co-op has hosted nearly 63,000 people on entry-level to advanced programs that last a few hours to a few days. 

#rei #SoCal #lovewhatyoudo #optoutside #passion #purpose #community #retail #events

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/slochan_rei-co-op-to-open-store-in-marina-del-rey-activity-7002296229359484928-Swku?trk=public_profile_like_view

Bye-bye REI: Outdoors outlet set to shut

Matthew Hall  smdp.com  2 Dec 2023

The enormous space that is the Santa Monica outlet of the REI outdoor chain at 402 Santa Monica Blvd is to shut in 2024 Credit:Thomas Leffler

REI is closing its Santa Monica store citing changing customer needs and an increase in the cost of doing business. Company officials said the store will not renew the lease on its downtown Santa Monica location and will close on Feb. 29, 2024. 

“The decision to close was not made lightly, but after consideration to the positive impact of the store, our market presence, and external factors,” said spokeswoman Megan Behrbaum. “While Santa Monica remains a destination for locals and visitors alike, the needs of our customers and business have shifted over the nearly two decades that we’ve served this community. The overall operating environment has also changed and the cost to do business.”

The store has seen significant changes to the surrounding area in recent years. It was one of several stores looted during the riots of 2020 and while two people were arrested in that case, the store’s inventory was gutted. In addition, the nearby Parking Structure 3 was demolished last year to make way for a supportive housing project.

The company opened at the intersection of 4th and Santa Monica Blvd. in 2006 and replaced a Toys ‘R’ Us that had been at the same location.

• The two-story, 32,000 square foot store was the seventh for the company in Los Angeles and that number grew to 14 including a brand new location in Marina Del Rey that opened in September of this year.

• The Marina store is the 31st in the state. Aside from the Marina, REI has locations in Arcadia, Burbank, Manhattan Beach, Northridge, Laguna Hills and Woodland Hills.

“A Marina del Rey location will allow us to better serve REI members and others who live, work and visit the amazing coastal community,” said Steve Lochan, REI’s divisional vice president of retail in an announcement of the Marina store last year. “The store will be next to a path popular with those who enjoy time outside for fitness or relaxing in the sun on a waterfront patio or boat.”

The closure of the Santa Monica store coincides with other closures.

• The company will shutter its location in Fremont at about the same time and will also close a store in Portland in February. 

• The company said the Portland store was closing due to concerns over crime and security. The Fremont location was described as no longer being a good fit for the company due to missed sales targets and a high cost of operation. 

Santa Monica officials said the closure was unfortunate but not disastrous for the area. 

“We’re certainly sad to see any business make the tough decision to close a location in our city, but we understand that corporations must make tough choices all the time based on a number of factors,” said Santa Monica Communications and Public Information Manager Lauren Howland. 

“While we hate to see a business close, we’re pleased with the level of economic investment and activity we’re seeing in downtown Santa Monica and throughout the city. We’ve made it easier to open a business here by updating our zoning codes and working closely with the business community to address issues such as public safety.”

She said Downtown has seen other signs of growth including the remodel of the Nike store, the pending reopening of Barnes + Noble and Din Tai Fung in the mall.  

Founded in 1938, REI is the country’s largest consumer co-op. While anyone can shop at any location, members receive discounts on an annual basis. According to the company, there are 1.7 million REI members in the Los Angeles DMA and 4.6 million members in California. 

“For 17 years, REI has proudly been part of the Santa Monica community serving our members and the outdoor community,” said Behrbaum. “We look forward to continuing to serve members and customers from our Santa Monica store through next February. REI has 13 stores in the LA region, including Marina del Rey that opened on September 8. We apologize for the future inconvenience to our members and the outdoor community.”

matt@smdp.com

https://smdp.com/2023/12/02/bye-bye-rei/

REI will close Santa Monica location in Feburary

Published December 5, 2023

SEATTLE (BRAIN) — REI Co-op will close its Santa Monica, California, store in February because of the operation's rising costs.

The downtown location is 32,000 square feet and closes officially on Feb. 29.

"The decision to close was not made lightly, but after consideration of the positive impact of the store, our market presence, and external factors," according to an REI statement. "While Santa Monica remains a destination for locals and visitors alike, the needs of our customers and business have shifted over the nearly two decades that we've served this community. The overall operating environment has also changed, and the cost to do business."

The Santa Monica store opened in 2006 and is one of 14 locations in the Los Angeles area.

In October, REI announced it was eliminating about 275 jobs nationally in a restructuring of store roles.

From <https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2023/12/05/rei-will-close-santa-monica-location-feburary-0>

employee [unverified] posting on reddit

6 months ago

That’s tough 107.

General

Posted by

u/NerdistOSRS

Dear Fellow Green Vested Peeps of 107,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news: our beloved Santa Monica REI will be shutting down by February 2024. While I should feel a pang of sadness for my colleagues who rely on this store for their livelihood, I find it impossible to conjure such emotions.

The management, to put it frankly, has been nothing short of egregious. Their leadership style mirrors that of a high school lunch table, dominated by individuals who lack the grace and integrity expected of their positions. It's almost comical how they attempt to exude an air of superiority simply because of their RSM status in the store.

The way they handle scheduling reeks of favoritism. Those who excel at kissing up to the management find themselves with ample shifts, while the rest of us are left to scrape by with mere breadcrumbs. Walk into 107 on any given day, and you'll encounter the same faces, not because others don't wish to work here, but because management deems anyone questioning their decisions as "subornation." These dissenters are then effectively pushed out, their hours slashed from a decent 30-40 to a measly 4-8, forcing them to quit.

It's disheartening because I do love this store, not for the management or their twisted sense of hierarchy, but for its geographical location and the genuine camaraderie we, the employees, shared. To all my fellow colleagues, I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors, except for those unqualified RSMs who have tainted our experience here.

Farewell for now, my fellow Green Vested Peeps. May our paths cross again in a place where our dedication and hard work are truly appreciated.

Sincerely,

A Fed Up 107 Green Vest

From <https://www.reddit.com/r/REI/comments/16xm6z4/thats_tough_107/?rdt=43407&onetap_auto=true>

REI to Close Santa Monica Location

February 20, 2024

IMAGEE Courtesy of Gerson Repreza

By The Registry Staff | LINK theRegistry - California Real Estate

Outdoor retail giant REI Co-op is set to shutter its Santa Monica location by the end of this month, marking its second departure from a bustling downtown area in February alone, the Los Angeles Times reported. The move follows the closure of its downtown Portland store earlier this month.

In a strategic shift, REI has opted to focus on suburban expansion, with plans to open stores in more suburban areas adjacent to these urban closures. This includes a location in Marina del Rey, which debuted last summer, and another in Beaverton, a Portland suburb, scheduled to open this spring.

The closure of the Santa Monica outlet, which is situated at 402 Santa Monica Blvd. and has been operational since 2006, deals a blow to one of the coastal city’s prominent shopping districts, which has been striving to regain traction after facing challenges in recent years, exacerbated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics have pointed to issues of public safety and homelessness, though opinions vary on the severity of these concerns.

REI has not provided immediate clarification on the reasons behind the Santa Monica closure. However, in the case of the Portland closure, the company cited a surge in break-ins and thefts, marking the highest incidents in two decades, despite efforts to enhance security.

The retailer’s decision underscores a broader trend of businesses reassessing their presence in urban hubs amid evolving economic and social dynamics. While REI stated no immediate plans to return to downtown Portland, it has directed customers to nearby suburban locations. The Santa Monica store will close its doors for the final time at 6 p.m. on Feb. 29, its website shows.

A Popular Retailer Now Announces An Unexpected Closure in California

franknez.com February 19, 2024 / Frank Nez

From <https://franknez.com/a-popular-retailer-now-announces-an-unexpected-closure-in-california/>

A popular retailer now announces an unexpected closure in California which is set to take place in just a few days.

Climbers, hikers, and campers in Santa Monica, California, will have to find a new store for all their gear as REI is closing its staple location in the city at the end of February, reports The-Sun.

The store closure, first reported by the Los Angeles Times, comes just weeks after the outdoor retail giant closed another major location in Portland, Oregon.

The Santa Monica store is reportedly set to shut its doors at 6 pm on Thursday, February 29.

It first opened in 2006 and has been a favorite of many shoppers in the area.

The news of its closure left many upset on social media.

“Such a major bummer!” one customer wrote on Facebook.

“Another one bites the dust!” another person said.

“I’ve never been into one. It’s sad though, when any business, has to close,” a third shopper said.

However, REI fans don’t have to worry too much as the retailer recently opened another location in September 2023 in Marina del Rey – less than five miles south of Santa Monica.

Some shoppers who have already visited the new location have raved about the store.

“The new store in MDR is fabulous! Smart employees who are trained to actually know their merchandise. If you’re looking for outdoor clothing and gear, that’s the place to go for ideas, info, and terrific outdoor clothing options,” one shopper wrote.

“Their shop in Manhattan Beach is great too. Biking, camping, skiing, etc – they’ve got the gear and clothes to help outfit you.”

Since it was founded in 1938, REI has amassed 23 million lifetime members and around 181 locations across the United States.

========================

Outdoor Retailer to Close Westside Store Following Marina del Rey Opening

Staff Were Informed Months Ago That the Lease Won’t Be Renewed 

By Zach Armstrong | SM MIRROR 09 dec 2023

Shortly after the grand opening of a new location in the nearby Marina del Rey area, outdoor apparel retailer Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) is closing its Santa Monica store in the coming months.

Staff at the 402 Santa Monica Blvd. location were informed months ago that REI won’t renew its lease and instead close on Feb. 29, 2024, a spokesperson said in an email. Further details on the closure were not disclosed. The Seattle-based chain looks to communicate with customers about the outpost’s final business day after the New Year. 

“The decision to close was not made lightly, but after consideration to the positive impact of the store, our market presence, and external factors,” a spokesperson stated in an email. “While Santa Monica remains a destination for locals and visitors alike, the needs of our customers and business have shifted over the nearly two decades that we’ve served this community. The overall operating environment has also changed and the cost to do business.”  

Founded in 1938 by Lloyd and Mary Anderso, REI sells outdoor apparel and gear including camping gear, hiking, climbing, cycling, water, running, fitness, snow, travel equipment, and men, women and kids clothing. With 181 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia, the specialty outdoor retailer proclaims itself as the nation’s largest consumer co-op. 

Since 2006, REI has been part of Santa Monica while a dozen other locations are scattered throughout the Los Angeles area. On Sept. 8, the grand opening was held for its 23.500 square-foot Marina del Rey store adjacent to the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve. The occasion was met with protestors who demanded the business cut ties with a nonprofit partner that supports the controversial “Ballona Wetlands Restoration Project”, a $250 million bulldozing and restoration project set for the marshes.

By Zach Armstrong December 4, 2023

in Hard, News

https://smmirror.com/2023/12/outdoor-retailer-to-close-westside-store-following-marina-del-rey-opening/

News Binge: All of last week’s stories in one place

By Ross Furukawa December 9, 2023 | SMDP

Bye-bye REI: Santa Monica store to close in February

• REI is closing its Santa Monica store citing changing customer needs and an increase in the cost of doing business. Company officials said the store will not renew the lease on its downtown Santa Monica location and will close on Feb. 29, 2024. [VERY EXPENSIVE LEASE, NEW Marina Del Rey Location]

• The store has seen significant changes to the surrounding area in recent years, as it was one of several stores looted during the riots of 2020. [ARE COMPANY OFFICIALS SAYING THIS? "The Store" - Is Shrinkage (theft) increasing/decreasing/same--any different than elsewhere - No Not really--it's just the HIGH rent according to 'officials' I spoke with."

• While two people were arrested in that case, the store’s inventory was gutted, and in addition  [these should be INSURED losses]

• nearby Parking Structure 3 was demolished this year to make way for a supportive housing project..

Security company Legion begins patrolling the Promenade

The new private security company tasked with patrolling the Promenade and Downtown areas began its official rollout on Dec. 1. Legion Corporation was awarded the contract after a request for proposals yielded submissions by over 20 companies and was narrowed down to just two. The decision came in a Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) board meeting, and took place after the abrupt departure of Covered 6 only a matter of hours after the contract had been signed at the end of September.

From <https://smdp.com/2023/12/09/news-binge-all-of-last-weeks-stories-in-one-place-3/>

marisa.gerber@latimes.com

REI to close its Santa Monica store, the retailer’s second move out of a bustling city center this month

The outdoors gear retailer is closing its Santa Monica store at the end of February.

IMAGE: Elaine Thompson / Associated Press

By Marisa Gerber | Staff Writer Feb. 16, 2024

marisa.gerber@latimes.com

Mentioned in this article

CLOSURES: Santa Monica, Fremont, Portland

Suburban openings: Marina del Rey, Beaverton (Portland)

https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2024-02-16/rei-to-close-in-santa-monica-marking-second-move-out-of-a-city-center-this-year

REI will close up shop in Santa Monica at the end of the month, marking the second move out of a busy downtown area this month for the outdoor retail giant.

REI Co-op’s location in the heart of Portland closed earlier this month.

In both cases, the company has either already opened, or soon plans to open, stores in more suburban areas nearby — one location in Marina del Rey, which opened over the summer, and another in Beaverton, a suburb of Portland, which is slated to open this spring.

The closure of the Santa Monica outlet, which opened in 2006, marks the latest blow for one of the coastal city’s key shopping districts, which has lately begun to build back some momentum after struggling to regain its footing in recent years.

The bustling tourist destination, which took a big hit during COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, has drawn criticism from some locals about public safety and homelessness, as well as counter-criticism that those complaints are overblown. A Times review in late 2022 found that police calls for service in the city declined sharply in 2020 relative to the six years previous and that they had stayed relatively flat.

Santa Monica, California September 7, 2023- Co-owners Steph McCaffrey, left, and Erin Robertson stand inside there pickleball courts on the Third St. Promenade in Santa Monica. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)

Representatives for REI didn’t immediately respond to questions about why the store is leaving the Santa Monica location, which officially closes at 6 p.m. on Feb. 29, or about the January closure of a store in Fremont, Calif.

The company previously put out a statement about leaving Portland, saying that the store had in the last year experienced “its highest number of break-ins and thefts in two decades, despite actions to provide extra security.”

Although REI said in the statement that it didn’t intend to return to downtown Portland in the near term, the retailer pointed shoppers to three locations in nearby suburbs.

https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2024-02-16/rei-to-close-in-santa-monica-marking-second-move-out-of-a-city-center-this-year

Bay Area REI store will close in January

By Jillian D'OnfroNov 13, 2023 sfgate jillian.donfro@sfgate.com

IMAGE: A shopper is assisted looking at hiking boots during a sale at REI.

Elaine Thompson/AP

An REI store in Fremont is closing permanently in mid-January, the company confirmed to SFGATE. The outdoor apparel and gear shop has operated at 43962 Fremont Blvd. for more than a decade. It hasn’t yet confirmed its final day of operation. 

“Details on the closure are not yet available, as our immediate focus is on our employees,” a spokesperson told SFGATE in a statement, adding that the decision doesn't reflect the overall health of REI or any deficiencies with the local team.

"The operating costs of the store – payroll, building and property maintenance and care – unmet sales growth, a less-than-ideal location for customers, and more mean that the location is no longer a good fit for the co-op," the spokesperson said.  

The store will continue to be stocked and serviced as normal throughout the “holiday gifting season” leading up to the closure, the spokesperson added. (Though not on Black Friday: REI created a buzz in 2022 when it announced it would close every year on the shopping holiday to en

An exterior view of the REI in Fremont, Calif.

Image via Yelp user David B.

The announcement comes as other large retail chains shutter locations throughout the Bay Area and REI itself rethinks its brick-and-mortar strategy. The company laid off 275 employees in October as part of a restructuring of its store operations.

The Fremont store had a smaller footprint than some of the retailer's other stores, and REI retains 10 other shops throughout the bay, including in Sunnyvale, Dublin, Saratoga, San Carlos and San Francisco. The Sunnyvale location opened in 2021, in a space previously occupied by an infamous Toys R Us, and at the time of that announcement, the company said that REI had more than 1.4 million lifetime members in Northern California. 

Nov 13, 2023

By Jillian D'Onfro

Jillian is a local editor at SFGATE, where she covers the Bay Area's nine counties from many different angles, including transit, real estate, business, education and wildlife. She writes about the people, places and experiences that make this region special, as well as the area's challenges.

Before joining the team in late 2023, she covered technology, business and Silicon Valley culture at publications including Business Insider, CNBC and Forbes. She lives in Oakland, misses using Oxford commas and loves getting story tips and ideas via email. You can reach her at jillian.donfro@sfgate.com.

From <https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/bay-area-rei-closing-january-18488783.php>

REI cuts 275 retail jobs in bid to restructure brick-and-mortar stores

Oct. 13, 2023

From <https://www.seattletimes.com/business/rei-cut-275-retail-jobs-in-bid-to-restructure-brick-and-mortar-stores/>

By Renata Geraldo

Seattle Times business reporter

Seattle-founded REI cut 275 retail jobs, including 19 in Washington, as part of a broader plan to restructure stores. The layoffs affect 2% of the outdoor retailer’s workforce nationally. 

The decision comes as the company is trying to change its brick-and-mortar business model said Mary-Farrell Tarbox, REI vice president of stores, in a memo to employees Thursday. 

“Our current operating model for stores is more than a decade old,” Tarbox said. “There are many areas that are out of date and no longer serving our employees or REI’s mission and business.”

REI employs 969 people at 11 stores in Washington. The flagship store in South Lake Union had five layoffs, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, which represents workers in some REI stores, not including the flagship store. 

Related

• Employees at REI store seek to unionize, be first in Washington

• Your guide to navigating and surviving layoffs

The cuts affect employees in “lead” positions, which the memo describes as the most inconsistent role. According to an old job listing, a sales lead is responsible for driving sales by “improving selling behaviors.” 

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Not all employees in lead roles will be laid off, as most will transition to other positions in the company, Tarbox said.

Tarbox added that while REI is cutting the lead roles, the company will have nearly 1,300 openings for new roles and holiday hiring through the rest of the year.

One of the laid-off lead workers is Will Kushner, who had been a shipping and receiving lead at the flagship store for more than a year. He worked at REI for a total of four years. 

Kushner said in an interview Friday that there was no clarity on what his role meant, so he supported different departments in the store with inventory management. His lead position had more responsibilities than the job description had provided, Kushner said, so he agrees with the argument that there was inconsistency. But instead of providing clarity, he said, the company decided to cut the positions.

“I was trying to manage inventory for a flagship store within a multimillion-dollar company,” Kushner said. “I was just under-recognized and under-utilized in the role I was hired for. And I think it’s just because the direction of the company doesn’t really want to put an emphasis or focus on their inventory management.”

Besides the layoffs, Tarbox said REI will increase scheduling transparency and hour predictability, updated store roles and new store leadership and staffing models.

UNION

Some REI workers across the U.S. have been organizing a movement to unionize. Workers at eight stores have voted for union representation. The latest store where workers won elections and joined the UFCW Local 3000 was in Bellingham in June. It was the first store in Washington to have unionized.

There were no layoffs at the Bellingham store, according to UFCW. In a statement, a union spokesperson said REI imposed the changes without negotiating with the union and is laying off tenured staff to cut labor costs. The spokesperson said lead positions were cut at some unionized stores, but the union doesn’t have all the numbers yet.

“REI’s nationwide layoff is a crushing blow to workers who have spent their careers building the REI brand into what it is today,” the spokesperson said.

Tarbox, who has been the vice president of stores for about a year, according to her LinkedIn profile, said a transition is necessary to set the retailer up for long-term success.

“These changes will give us the flexibility needed to support our business, provide enhanced hours predictability for most staff, improve accountability at all levels, ensure we’re investing the right number of hours into the right roles,” she said in the Thursday memo. 

Kushner said he had already started job hunting before the layoffs as he felt no career growth in his role. 

“I’ve noticed just a transition over the years of caring more about the public image or the sales,” he said. “That’s clearly not what REI is intended for nor is it supposed to be focused on. It’s supposed to be team-oriented.” 

 Renata Geraldo: 206-464-2521or rgeraldo@seattletimes.com;

From <https://www.seattletimes.com/business/rei-cut-275-retail-jobs-in-bid-to-restructure-brick-and-mortar-stores/>

Seattletimes.com

By Seattle Times Amazon reporter

Feb. 1, 2023 at 12:33 pm Updated Feb. 1, 2023 at 7:06 pm

2–3 minutes

REI has laid off 167 people from its headquarters, citing “increasing uncertainty” and a need to get back to profitability.

The layoffs affected 8% of the co-op’s headquarters workforce and less than 1% of its total head count, President and CEO Eric Artz said in a letter to employees on Tuesday. 

REI shifted to remote work in 2020, meaning there is no single headquarters location. The co-op has offices in Issaquah, Seattle and Sumner.

“We have clear goals for the future of the co-op and are confident in our long-term strategies,” Artz wrote. “But in the face of increasing uncertainty, we need to sharpen our focus on the most critical investments and areas of work to best serve our members and grow the co-op over the long term.”

To do so, REI is making “organizational changes” at its headquarters, including reducing head count and reorganizing and combining several divisions. In the year ahead, Artz said, REI will “align” around a few strategic priorities to ensure the co-op is making the best use of its resources and centering its work around the customer and member experience.

REI does not have any additional plans for more layoffs.

During the past year and a half, REI has expanded its leadership team, adding new roles including chief supply chain officer and chief commercial officer for the first time. In 2021, according to REI’s annual report, the co-op invested $128.9 million in employee profit-sharing, retirement and performance incentives.

Those impacted by the job cuts Tuesday will receive severance packages, 4 months of health care through COBRA coverage, pay for remaining vacation time and 2022 bonuses, as well as outplacement support for finding a new role. 

In 2021, the most recent financial data available, REI reported $3.7 billion in revenue, up 36% from the year before, and net income of $97.7 million.

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/rei-lays-off-8-of-hq-workers-to-hedge-against-increasing-uncertainty/

board@rei.com and eric.artz@rei.com, board@rei.com, ben.steele@rei.com

 REI Foundation: Megan Behrbaum, (253) 437-7736 or mbehrba@rei.com 

REI swings to a loss despite record sales in 2022

Daphne Howland 19 april 2023 Retaildive.com

Dive Brief:

• REI reached a record $3.9 billion in sales last year, the outdoor co-op retailer said in a financial disclosure Wednesday. The company, which aims to grow to 50 million members, added 1.3 million in 2022, bringing its total count to 23 million.

• The company swung to a $164.7 million loss, from net income of $97.7 million in 2021. Operating expense rose 22.6% to $1.8 million.

• The retailer also closed the year by making permanent its #OptOutside policy, which entails closing on Black Friday and paying employees to enjoy the outdoors, per its press release.

Dive Insight:

As an outdoor retailer, REI was among the few in the industry benefiting from pandemic-induced consumer behaviors a few years ago, as people conducted most of their social lives outdoors. The company has sought to maintain some momentum by beefing up its membership benefits for the first time in its 84-year history, CEO Eric Artz said in a public letter. 

Its benefits include exclusive gear collections, free shipping, the ability to buy and trade in used gear through its Re/Supply program, discounts on shop services and rentals, access to member sales, and an ability to earn money back from its annual Co-op Member Reward.

While the company is in the red, it remains “focused on a path back to sustainable profitability for the co-op to ensure a healthy long-term future,” Artz said.

REI in recent months has struggled to square its progressive reputation with what union organizers at some stores have said are anti-union tactics. Several stores have either unionized or are working on it. In his letter, Artz didn’t mention those efforts, but said the company has worked to improve pay and conditions for its employees.

The company invested $50 million toward pay raises for hourly employees and another $92 million toward employee retirement and bonuses, which Artz said is “the largest single-year investment the co-op has ever made in employee compensation.” The company also changed its benefits offering to provide medical coverage regardless of how many hours an employee works.

Citing REI’s 2022 engagement survey, Artz said that more than 81% of employees report “feeling like their leaders take a genuine interest in their humanity and well-being, with 78% of Black, Indigenous and people of color reporting feeling a sense of belonging.” The company increased its BIPOC employee representation to 25.9% last year, and introduced anti-bias training in hiring, he said.

In its materials released Wednesday, REI also noted its environmental advocacy. Through its Cooperative Action Network, the company sent more than 250,000 messages to decision-makers at state and national levels. Along with pushing for progress on climate change, the retailer itself achieved its third straight year of climate neutrality in its operations, and the 10th straight year of being powered by 100% renewable electricity.

The company partnered with 39 founders, provided $2.7 million in grants and investment and created a network of more than 250 speakers, mentors, advisers and investors through its REI Path Ahead Ventures incubator for founders of color in the outdoor industry. And it made $6.9 million in contributions to 503 nonprofits working toward a more inclusive outdoor community, Artz said.

https://www.retaildive.com/news/rei-co-op-outdoor-earnings-net-loss-record-sales/648170/

REI 2022 Sales Rise to $3.85 Billion

Kari Hamanaka

thedaily.outdoorretailer.com

The company reported a net loss for the year, however, and is working toward returning to profitability.

Recreational Equipment Inc.’s chief executive underscored the outdoor retailer’s focus on “sustainable profitability” with the release of its 2022 financial results Wednesday.

REI recorded net sales of $3.85 billion last year, up from the $3.74 billion it generated in 2021.

The retailer swung to a $164.71 million loss in 2022, compared to net income of $97.66 million in the prior year.

“We posted a record $3.85 billion in revenue in 2022, coming off an impressive year for both revenue and profit growth in 2021,” President and CEO Eric Artz said in a public letter recapping the year that was also released Wednesday. “Financially, 2022 was a year of significant investment for the co-op – some planned as we entered the year, while other investments were made as a result of changing market conditions and in service to our people and values.”

REI operates as a co-op, with 21.5 million members, who the retailer said received $223.7 million in member rewards last year.

REI, which operates 181 stores, opened five doors in 2022. That included one location that brought the retailer to Nebraska for the first time. So far this year, it has opened a store in Athens, Georgia, in February and announced plans to open a store in Sarasota, Florida, this fall.

Earlier this year, the company informed employees of job cuts at its headquarters, amounting to 167 positions or about 8% of the corporate staff. The headquarters office staff represents less than 1% of the company-wide headcount.

Artz, at the time of the layoffs, cited “increasing uncertainty” as one of the reasons for the restructuring as the company focuses on what he described as the “most critical investments and areas of work to best serve our members and grow the co-op over the long term.”

Kari Hamanaka can be reached at kari@shop-eat-surf.com. 

REI Reports Record Sales for 2022, Outlines $323 Million of Community Investments

Stephen Garner finance.yahoo.com

 From <https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rei-reports-record-sales-2022-165924189.html>

REI has released its latest Impact Report and financials results for 2022, closing the year with a record $3.85 billion in sales and distributing $323 million back to the co-op community.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Seattle-based retailer, the co-op ended the year with a strong liquidity and working capital position and continued in its mission of investing in its members, employees and the outdoors.

More from Footwear News

• REI Is the Latest Retailer to Close Its Portland Store Amid Rising Crime

• Retail Intel: Academy Sports to Open New Store in Indiana on Friday + More News

• Four More REI Stores File for Union Election

REI president and CEO Eric Artz wrote in a public letter released alongside the report on Wednesday that he is “incredibly impressed” by all the company has accomplished as a co-op.

“Throughout 2022, we invested in our people, in our capabilities and in the communities we serve,” said Artz. “As a co-op, we are in the fortunate position to be able to make long-term choices and investments like this, but we do not do so lightly. We remain focused on a path back to sustainable profitability for the co-op to ensure a healthy long-term future.”

As for its Impact Report, when it came to investing in employees, REI stated that it placed $50 million toward pay raises for hourly employees and delivered another $92.3 million toward employee retirement and bonuses. Combined, that’s the largest single-year investment the co-op has ever made in employee compensation, REI said.

In terms of diversity, REI stated that over 81 percent of employees reported feeling like their leaders take a genuine interest in their humanity and well-being, with 78 percent of Black, Indigenous and people of color reporting feeling a sense of belonging in the workplace, according to the co-op’s 2022 engagement survey, results which place REI in the top 20 percent of employers. What’s more, the co-op increased participation in its Inclusion Networks (employee resource groups) by 14 percent since 2020, and increased its overall BIPOC employee representation to 25.9 percent in 2022.

REI also continued investing in its Path Ahead Ventures division, which offers full-spectrum support to startups owned and led by founders of color. In its inaugural year, REI Path Ahead Ventures worked to accelerate the success of founders of color in the outdoor industry, providing 37 founders $2.7 million in grants and investment while creating a network of over 250 speakers, mentors, advisers and investors.

This is in addition to the other organizations REI has donated to this year. Overall, REI said it made $6.9 million in contributions to 503 nonprofit partners across the country in 2022.

“The outdoors should be a place where everyone can feel welcome to be themselves, access opportunities, and connect with their community—no matter who they are, where they live or what they love to do,” Wilma Wallace, REI’s chief diversity and social impact officer, said in a statement. “Unfortunately, that’s not true for everyone today. To close this gap, we must do a better job as an industry and an outdoor community to reflect the various ways people find joy and meaning outside.”

As for its environmental impact, REI said it celebrated a decade of powering its operations with 100 percent renewable electricity in 2022. With this milestone, the co-op made a commitment to source locally generated renewable energy for all 181 of its stores.

Additionally, the co-op continued its commitment to climate neutrality for its directly controlled operations, investing in carbon credits equivalent to over 320,000 metric tons of CO2eq through partnerships ranging from forestry in North America with the Family Forest Carbon Program to clean cookstoves in Africa with BioLite.

REI added that it is on track toward its goal to become the first national retailer to achieve zero waste by 2025, diverting 84 percent of its operational waste from landfills this past year.

This news comes one day after the retailer confirmed it would close its downtown Portland, Ore. store amid an increase in retail crime in the area. In a statement emailed to FN on Tuesday, an REI Co-op representative confirmed the closure and stated that the decision “does not reflect the hard work and dedication of our Portland team, nor the overall health of the co-op.”

“The safety of our employees, members and customers is always our number one priority,” the statement sent to FN said. “Last year, REI Portland had its highest number of break-ins and thefts in two decades, despite our actions and investment to provide extra security.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rei-reports-record-sales-2022-165924189.html

Google Article Search on REI spokesperson “Megan Behrbaum@rei” 

Bye-bye REI: Outdoors outlet set to shut

Santa Monica Daily Press

https://smdp.com › Archives

Dec 2, 2023— ... Megan Behrbaum. “While Santa Monica remains a destination for locals and visitors alike, the needs of our customers and business have shifted over the ...

REI to Close Pearl District Store, Saying Break-Ins and ...

Willamette Week

https://www.wweek.com › news › 2023/04/17 › rei-to-cl...

Apr 17, 2023— But crime alone didn't determine the stores fate, REI spokeswomaon Megan Behrbaum said. “In addition, we have outgrown our current space, and the building ...

REI to close only Portland store, citing break-ins, theft

OregonLive.com

https://www.oregonlive.com › business › 2023/04 › rei-t...

Apr 17, 2023— It was the store's third break-in in a week. After the Black Friday incident, REI spokesperson Megan Behrbaum said, the company's chief commercial officer and ...

Images

Bye-bye REI: Outdoors outlet set to shut - Santa Monica Daily ...

Santa Monica Daily Press

REI to close only Portland store, citing break-ins, theft ...

Oregon Live

REI to shutter downtown Portland store amid 20-year high in ...

Fox Business

REI to shutter downtown Portland store amid 20-year high ...

Fox Business

https://www.foxbusiness.com › retail › rei-shutter-dow...

Apr 18, 2023— REI is shuttering its location in ... "The safety of our employees, members and customers is always our number one priority," spokesperson Megan Behrbaum said.

REI's Departure from Santa Monica Due to Crime ...

Santa Monica Observer

https://www.smobserved.com › 2023/12/18 › business

Dec 18, 2023— "The overall operating environment has also changed and the cost to do business," said store spokesman Megan Behrbaum. But according to John Alle of the ...

REI to close Portland store after record-breaking number of ...

New York Post

https://nypost.com › 2023/04/18 › rei-to-close-portlan...

Apr 18, 2023— REI spokesperson Megan Behrbaum told the local paper that the company spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in increased security measures for the Portland ...

REI Announces Closure of Portland Store - Oregon Business

oregonbusiness.com

https://oregonbusiness.com › rei-announces-closure-of...

Apr 18, 2023— The store's lease terminates in February. According to Behrbaum, more than 150 full- and part-time employees work at the Pearl location, and the company has ...

REI makes it official: Outdoor retailer coming to Durango

The Durango Herald

https://www.durangoherald.com › articles › rei-makes-...

 Jun 29, 2023— Construction will begin this fall headed by development company Barclay Group based out of Phoenix, according to REI spokeswoman Megan Behrbaum. The store will ...

REI opens Tennessee distribution center to support 60- ...

Supply Chain Dive

https://www.supplychaindive.com › news › rei-opens-l...

 Oct 13, 2023— ... REI spokesperson Megan Behrbaum told Supply Chain Dive in an email. content ... Behrbaum said. “This allows us to combine our entire omni-channel – products ...

REI to close Portland, OR Pearl District store, blames break ...

KOIN

https://www.koin.com › local › rei-to-close-portland-p...

 Apr 17, 2023— Spokesperson Megan Behrbaum said the building requires significant investment to address issues and the company has been unable to reach an agreement with the ...

Large city losing another retailer, REI, due to thefts, break ...

Cleveland.com

https://www.cleveland.com › business › 2023/04 › large-...

 Apr 18, 2023— After that incident, company officials met with Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler's office and police to discuss safety concerns, REI spokesperson Megan Behrbaum told ...

Outdoor goods supplier REI closes its Portland store after ...

Daily Mail

https://www.dailymail.co.uk › news › article-11985749

Apr 18, 2023— ... REI store in downtown Portland opened 20 years ago and will officially shut its doors in early 2024. REI spokesperson Megan Behrbaum told local newspaper The ...

Durango's local outdoor stores brace for coming ...

The Denver Post

https://www.denverpost.com › 2023/11/30 › rei-store-...

Nov 30, 2023— REI currently has 9,000 members in the Durango area, according to REI spokeswoman Megan Behrbaum. Durango will be the co-op's 10th location in Colorado ...

An update to our story on the REI closure - Portland

Reddit · r/Portland

280+ comments

(In an email to OB sent after this story published, Behrbaum says Spokane has neither petitioned, nor voted to join a union, and notes that Eugene has only ...

Is REI coming to Durango? - The Journal

the-journal.com

https://www.the-journal.com › articles › is-rei-coming-...

Jan 23, 2023— In an email to The Durango Herald on Jan. 12, REI spokeswoman Megan Behrbaum said REI had not made an announcement about a Durango location. Business ...

Bill Hader and Ali Wong Hold Hands in Los Angeles: Pic

LinkedIn · Halley Knigge

80+ reactions

I spy with my little eye ... a pair of Outdoor Afro, Inc. + REI hiking pants! h/t: eagle-eyed Megan Behrbaum, APR Grab your own pair, here:…

REI to Close Its Only Portland Store over Break-Ins, Theft

Breitbart

https://www.breitbart.com › Pre Viral › 2023/04/18

Apr 18, 2023— REI spokesperson Megan Behrbaum told the outlet that the company has made costly investments in store security, including replacing the store's windows with ...

Popular sporting goods retailer and Dick's rival abruptly ...

The US Sun

https://www.the-sun.com › money › popular-sporting-go...

Apr 19, 2023— Last November, the Portland REI made headlines after a thief drove their car through the store's doors and stole apparel before fleeing the scene. Megan ...

Residents Of American Cities Are Still Suffering From A ...

Senate.gov

https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov › research › r...

Sep 14, 2023— ... REI's Pearl District store on Black Friday. It was the store's third break-in in a week…. [REI spokesperson Megan] Behrbaum said REI has made costly ...

REI cuts the ribbon on Lebanon distribution facility

The Business Journals

https://www.bizjournals.com › news › 2023/10/10 › rei-l...

 Oct 10, 2023— REI Distribution Center expand. REI's distribution center in Lebanon. Megan Behrbaum. Ian Bradley. By Ian Bradley – Reporter, Nashville Business Journal. Oct 10 ...

Is REI Going Out Of Business in 2023? | Is REI closing for ...

Discontinued News

https://discontinuednews.com › is-rei-going-out-of-bu...

May 28, 2023— One of the spokespeople of REI named, Megan Behrbaum, said the store's building in Portland Pear needs to be renovated, which requires investment. But we ...

REI Santa Monica Store to Close, Shifting Customer Needs ...

isp.page

https://isp.page › bye-bye-rei-outdoors-outlet-set-to-shut

Dec 7, 2023— A: According to REI spokeswoman Megan Behrbaum, the needs of customers and the business have shifted over the years, and the overall operating environment has ...

REI Closes Santa Monica Store, Embracing Change and ...

isp.page

https://isp.page › news › bye-bye-rei-outdoors-outlet-s...

 Dec 7, 2023— The decision to close the store was not taken lightly, according to REI spokeswoman Megan Behrbaum. While Santa Monica remains a popular destination for ...

From <https://www.google.com/search?q=Megan+Behrbaum%40rei&newwindow=1&client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=597175834&sxsrf=ACQVn090b67xPumx9I0vVyver8BO9ovu6A:1704882130100&source=lnt&tbs=qdr:y&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjCjf7tzNKDAxV7M0QIHcrKCqMQpwV6BAgDEAs&biw=1638&bih=803&dpr=1.88>

board@rei.com and eric.artz@rei.com, board@rei.com, ben.steele@rei.com

 REI Foundation: Megan Behrbaum, (253) 437-7736 or mbehrba@rei.com

Co-op leadership

Eric Artz, President & CEO

Kelley Hall, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Ben Steele, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Officer

Apple Musni, Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer

Cameron Janes, Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer

Chris Speyer, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer

Dan Shull, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer

Susan Viscon, Vice President and Executive Director, Path Ahead Ventures

Sylvia Wilks, Senior Vice President, Chief Supply Chain Officer

Minnie Alexander, Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Ruchi Christensen, Vice President of Distribution and Fulfillment Operations

Michelle Cutter, Vice President of E-Commerce, Gear & Apparel

Patrick Fell, Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis

Pardis Ghorbani, Vice President of Customer and Brand Shared Services

Michelle Kirkpatrick, Vice President, Controller

Guillaume Ledieu, Vice President, Foundation Technology

Jackie Major, Vice President, Merchandise Planning and Inventory Management

Roma McCaig, Vice President, Public Affairs and Impact

Analyn Nouri, Vice President of Platform Engineering

Isabelle Portilla, Vice President Co-op Brands

Mary-Farrell Tarbox, Vice President of Physical Stores and Retail Operations

Todd Wilson, Vice President of Product Engineering

 From <https://www.rei.com/about-rei/officers>

Looters Ransack REI as Santa Monica Storefronts Are Destroyed During Protests

The activity occurred blocks from peaceful protests.

By Ella Chochrek June 1, 2020 | footwear news 

View Gallery

25 Images

Sunday brought destruction to Santa Monica, Calif. storefronts. Blocks from where protesters peacefully demonstrated, some individuals took advantage of a limited police presence — covering buildings with graffiti, smashing storefronts and stealing merchandise.

REI was among the stores hit Sunday afternoon. Video showed protesters attempting to thwart violence by putting themselves in front of the store — but later video showed persons hauling clothing and other items out of the shop.

Down the block, video footage showed dozens of looters entering a Vans outpost and exiting with stolen sneakers and other goods. Nike, Gap Kids and Patagonia were also among the stores looted, and individuals were taped tossing boxes out the back of an Amazon Prime vehicle.

Santa Monica officials said they believed the majority of looters were not associated with the protests. The city arrested over 200 individuals on Sunday. In attempt to prevent further destruction today, a curfew will go into effect in Santa Monica’s business district beginning at 1 p.m., with a citywide curfew to take hold at 4 p.m.

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Across the country, unrest has mounted in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died on May 25 in Minneapolis. Floyd was killed after white police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s death during an arrest. Chauvin has been fired from the police force and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

Although protests across the country have mostly been peaceful, there have been reports of looting in major cities from coast to coast — including New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. as well as Los Angeles — with most violence coming in the late night hours. In recent days, major brands and retailers have spoken up against the injustices faced by African Americans and called for change — including companies that typically take a stance on social issues as well as those that have historically shied away from doing so.

Read More:

https://footwearnews.com/business/retail/rei-looted-santa-monica-riots-protests-1202998501/

Photos of Four Santa Monica Locations among 25 Locations looted/vandalized in LA picture gallery

Picture gallery

Shoe Palace

One vandal uses a skateboard as another, a hammer at Shoe Palace in Santa Monica, Calif., on May 31 as unrest continues in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade

Firefighter yells from a vandalized sneaker store, in Santa Monica, Calif., on May 31 during unrest and protests over the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on May 25.

Santa Monica, 3rd Street Promenade Center

A looter walks in the street on May 31 in Santa Monica, Calif., carrying a garbage bag filled with stolen sportswear items during protests over the death of George Floyd.

Patagonia

Looters plunder the Patagonia store on May 31 in Santa Monica, Calif., in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

https://footwearnews.com/gallery/looted-stores-los-angeles-riots-photos/protests-after-the-death-of-george-floyd-santa-monica-los-angeles-california-usa-31-may-2020-7/

ERIC ARTZ: REI RETAIL STORES CLOSING UNTIL MARCH 27

 March 16, 2020

To Our Co-op Community, 

As the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread throughout the communities where we all live and work, we have consistently looked for ways to help protect the health and safety of our employees and customers. Since our founding, REI has been about doing the right thing for our community.  

After a great deal of careful consideration, we are temporarily closing our 162 retail stores nationwide starting tomorrow, March 16, until March 27.  I believe that is the right thing for our community. In fact, I believe it is our duty—to do all we can to help keep one another safe in this unprecedented moment. 

That also means all employees from our stores will be paid during this temporary closure. And, even with our stores closed, we will be working hard to do everything we can to continue to serve our customers. All orders through REI.com will get free shipping while our stores are closed. Customers who have questions about gear and local outdoor activities that they’d normally ask in our stores can get answers through our digital community, REI Conversations and Co-op Journal will feature articles that help people find ways to get outside even during these challenging times.  

We’ve always been deliberate and transparent when making significant decisions about our business. This is a difficult decision for any business, and I do not make it lightly. Our decisions are grounded in the belief that there are more important things than business right now—we owe that to one another.  

Know that we will continue to work closely with our teams and public health officials throughout the country to understand how to best serve your needs, and serve our customers as soon as local conditions allow. We’ll continue to share information with our members and employees as we move forward together into a future that’s hard to predict. 

In the meantime, thank you for your understanding, your patience and, most of all, for being a part of this incredible community. The outdoors remains a vital part of all our lives, especially in moments like this.  

Be well and take care of one another. 

My very best, 

Eric Artz

President & CEO, REI Co-op

From <https://web.archive.org/web/20230923033756/https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/covid-19-updates/eric-artz-rei-retail-stores-closing-until-march-27/>

Eric Artz: Actions We Are Taking Around the Coronavirus

Eric Artz|March 8, 2020

Editor’s note on March 15, 2020: After a great deal of careful consideration, we are temporarily closing our retail stores nationwide. Learn more about that decision. Please consult the CDC or your state health department for advice related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including information on symptoms, testing and how to protect yourself and others.

To Our Co-op Community: 

The health and safety of our co-op community is our highest priority. As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread throughout the country, I wanted to share some of the actions REI is taking to help protect both you and our employees. 

As this situation continues to evolve, we will closely monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health officials around the country. We will continue to rely on their recommendations and expertise to inform our decisions.  

As a result, we are:  

• Increasing the frequency and rigor of cleaning and sanitization in all of our retail stores, distribution centers and office environments;  

• Based on the guidance we’ve received and the actions we’ve taken, our stores remain open for business—as do REI.com, REI Outlet and REI Adventures. And in our stores, we’re doing all we can to make sure you feel safe, comfortable and welcome;  

• We are updating terms for cancellations and refunds for all REI events, activities and adventure travel programs to provide members and customers greater flexibility in making decisions that are best for them, without incurring financial penalties;  

• We have modified our paid time off policies to ensure that our employees—including hourly retail employees—who miss work due to illness or to care for sick family members do not suffer loss of income or other benefits.

All of us at REI understand that this issue is cause for concern to many, and we offer our deepest sympathies to those who have already been affected. Rest assured that as circumstances continue to develop, one thing will remain the same: We will make our decisions with the health and well-being of our members, customers, employees and communities as our highest priority.  

My best, 

Eric Artz

President & CEO, REI Co-op

From <https://www.rei.com/blog/news/eric-artz-actions-we-are-taking-around-the-coronavirus>

REI Is Closing Its 162 Stores Temporarily Due to the Coronavirus and Will Continue to Pay Employees

Peter Verry

March 15, 2020·3 min read

Click here to read the full article.

The escalating coronavirus crisis is forcing retailers both domestically and abroad to close doors temporarily. And late Sunday, outdoor standout REI revealed in a statement from its president and CEO, Eric Artz, that its 162 locations would close starting Monday.

“After a great deal of careful consideration, we are temporarily closing our 162 retail stores nationwide starting tomorrow, March 16, until March 27,” Artz wrote in a statement. “I believe that is the right thing for our community. In fact, I believe it is our duty — to do all we can to help keep one another safe in this unprecedented moment.”

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• Gap, Lululemon, Rothy's + More Fashion Stores Closing Amid the Coronavirus Crisis

In the statement, the executive stated REI store employees would still be paid during this time.

“That also means all employees from our stores will be paid during this temporary closure. And, even with our stores closed, we will be working hard to do everything we can to continue to serve our customers,” Artz wrote. “All orders through REI.com will get free shipping while our stores are closed. Customers who have questions about gear and local outdoor activities that they’d normally ask in our stores can get answers through our digital community, REI Conversations and Co-op Journal will feature articles that help people find ways to get outside even during these challenging times.”

This new announcement of the store closures comes five days after Artz, with the coronavirus starting to spread quickly and several retailers taking precautions to keep employees and customers safe, said REI stores would remain open and that the company would be “increasing the frequency and rigor and cleaning and [sanitizing]” in its stores, distribution centers and offices.

REI is the latest leader in the outdoor market to announce the temporary closure of stores due to the coronavirus. On Friday, Patagonia president and CEO Rose Marcario wrote in a statement via the company’s website that “stores, offices and other operations” would close at the end of the business day and that all employees will be paid during the closure. (This also includes the company’s website.) The executive also stated the company will reassess the status of the closure and post an update on March 27.

From <https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/rei-closing-162-stores-temporarily-045756150.html>

Edward Lampert - bloomberg profile

Founder, ESL Investments Inc. estimated net worth $2B

Real Time Net Worth

as of 3/19/24

#1594 in the world today

Photo by Amanda Gordon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

About Edward Lampert

• After a stint at Goldman Sachs' risk arbitrage department, Edward Lampert founded hedge fund ESL Investments in 1988, betting on undervalued stocks.

• He took over as CEO of struggling retail giant Sears Holdings (Sears, Kmart, Kenmore) in 2013 with hopes of a turnaround, but failed miserably.

• Lampert's ESL Investments promised Sears nearly $1 billion in loans in the first 10 months of 2017.

• In October 2018, Sears Holdings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announced that it would close 142 Sears and Kmart stores.

• In January 2019 Lampert won an auction to keep the company, with a reported bid of more than $5 billion.

Wealth History

HOVER TO REVEAL NET WORTH BY YEAR

Forbes Lists

#1575

Billionaires (2023)

#309

Forbes 400 (2016)Dropped off in 2017

Personal Stats

Age 61

Source of Wealth: Sears, Self Made

Self-Made Score: 9

Residence: Miami Beach, Florida

Citizenship: United States

Marital Status: Married

Children: 3

Education: Bachelor of Arts/Science, Yale University

From <https://www.forbes.com/profile/edward-lampert/?sh=5603de8546d3>

Wikipedia - Edward Scott Lampert

Edward Scott Lampert (born July 19, 1962)[2] is an American billionaire businessman. He is the former chief executive and chairman of Sears Holdings, the founder of Transformco, and the founder, chairman, and chief executive of ESL Investments. Until May 2007, he was a director of AutoNation.[3] He was a director of AutoZone from 1999 to 2006.[4] As of October 2021, his net worth was estimated at US$2 billion.[1]

Early life and education

Lampert was born in 1962 to Dolores Lampert and Floyd M. Lampert. He is Jewish.[5] His mother was a housewife. His father was a senior partner in the law firm of Lampert & Lampert in New York City. He has a younger sister Tracey.[6] Lampert's grandmother was a passive investor and a fan of Louis Rukeyser's Wall Street Week television program. She instilled in him an interest in investing. His mother would later recall that young Eddie would sit with his grandmother reviewing and evaluating the performance of her stock picks in the daily newspaper.[2]

Career

In July 1984, Lampert worked as an intern at Goldman Sachs,[10] and then worked in the firm's risk arbitrage department from March 1985 to February 1988. While there, he worked directly with Robert Rubin. When Lampert decided to go out on his own, Rubin warned him it would be a bad career decision.

In April 1988, Lampert left the bank to form ESL Investments, based in Greenwich, Connecticut (the name derives from Lampert's initials). Richard Rainwater, whom Lampert had met on Nantucket Island, gave him $28 million in seed money and introduced him to clients, such as David Geffen.

A 2004 profile by Businessweek likened Lampert's investment style to that of financier Warren Buffett.[2] Lampert's earnings in 2004 were estimated to be $1.02 billion, making him the first Wall Street financial manager to exceed an income of $1 billion in a single year.[11] In 2006, Lampert was featured on the Time 100 list for most influential people in the world for being one of the "brightest minds on Wall Street" and leading a new class of activist hedge funds.[12] Lampert was the richest person in Connecticut in 2006 with a net worth of $3.8 billion.[13]

In March 2012, Lampert was No. 367 on the Forbes world's wealthiest people list with a net worth of $3.1 billion.[14] By August, 2016, Lampert had fallen to No. 810 on the list, with a net worth of $2.2 billion.[1]

In January 2013, it was announced that Lampert would take over as chief executive officer at Sears after Louis D'Ambrosio stepped down due to family health matters, which took effect in May 2013.[15] In July 2016 he held 28% of shares in Sears Holdings Corp worth approximately $408 million.[16]

In early 2017, Lampert, then president, chief executive officer and top shareholder of Sears Holdings, was estimated to have personal assets of $2 billion, primarily in the hedge fund ESL Investments.[17] Early in the year, he committed to providing an additional loan of $500 million to Sears and said he would provide letters of credit to Sears for additional amounts, reportedly totaling $200 million and possibly increasing to a half billion dollars in the future.[18]

He has been criticized by employees and corporate staff for "shredding" his employees in corporate meetings and "being out of touch with reality", as well as for failing to invest in the physical stores, as many of them are deteriorating.[19] During his tenure as chief executive, Sears lost around half its value within five years, and closed more than half of its physical stores.

On October 15, 2018, Lampert stepped down as chief executive of Sears Holdings, while remaining chairman of the board, as part of Sears Holdings bankruptcy actions. On December 6, 2018, Lampert, through his company ESL Investments, offered to buy all of Sears for $4.6 billion in cash and stock.[20] The offer would be financed by $950 million in added debt,[20] but no additional cash.[21] In early 2019, five hundred stores remained in operation; the remainder were in liquidation.[20] According to a company filing, Lampert stepped down as chairman of Sears Holdings Corp on February 14, 2019.[22]

In January 2019, a group of Sears' creditors hoping to persuade a federal judge to force Sears to liquidate alleged that Lampert had orchestrated a "multiyear and multifaceted scheme" to strip away the company's assets and benefit from its decline.[23] In May 2019, Lampert, months after purchasing the remains of Sears from the holding company, threatened not to pay out the $43 million in pension payments[24] owed to 90,000 former Sears and Kmart employees and retirees.[25]

From <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Lampert>

From <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Lampert>

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