February 20, 2013

REI in Biltmore Park: A Co-op for Everyone!

Spring is right around the corner and that means warmer weather and longer days for hiking, cycling, camping, and being active. We’re sure looking forward to the longer, warmer days – are you ready for beautiful outdoor weather? One of the best ways to get spring and summer ready is by visiting REI in Biltmore Park. They have a plethora of clothing and gear to get you ready for any outdoor activity you can think of!

Are you aware that REI is a co-op? They have around 5 million members who enjoy incredible benefits, such as special offers and savings, discounts on gear, rental equipment, shop services and even discounts on REI Adventure Travels, as well as the benefits of the ‘Annual REI Dividend’ and Board of Directors voting privileges.

How to become a REI Co-op Member

Becoming a member of REI is easy: It costs a one time fee of $20 to become a lifetime member of REI. It’s as easy as dropping by REI in Biltmore Park and purchasing a membership at the register, or going online and adding a $20 membership to your shopping cart. To maintain your active status as an REI member, you need to make merchandise or shipping purchases of at least $10 per year. Pretty easy to do considering all their great clothing and gear to choose from!

REI Membership Benefits

There are many unique benefits of being an REI co-op member:

REI members get members-only offers on gear and clothing at REI, including members-only coupons and members-only access to REI stores' Used Gear Sales -where they can sell returned and gently used merchandise for big discounts. REI members also get substantial savings on REI in-store rental equipment from skis to kayaks, and reduced pricing on bike shop services and ski shop services.

New REI members get $100 off an REI Adventures trip, plus members get special pricing. Enjoy active travel worldwide and weekend getaways closer to home. See itineraries and photos for all 150+ trips, plus reviews, at REI Adventures.

 

The REI dividend is a unique benefit of membership in the REI co-op. It is your share of the Co-op's annual profit. Each March, active REI members receive their member refund in the form of an annual dividend notice. The refund is typically 10% back on eligible REI purchases! In addition, each spring members elect REI board members who represent the interests of the co-op. The board of directors election ballot is included with the annual dividend notice each March.

Obama Nominates REI Chief Executive as Interior Secretary

On Feb. 6, 2013, President Obama nominated REI’s president and chief executive, Sally Jewell, to head the Interior Department. Congratulations to Jewell! To read more about her nomination, visit this article at The Washington Post.