Archives: Press Releases

SEATTLE, November 27, 2023 – Today, REI announces the hire of corporate communications and sustainability leader Roma McCaig as the co-op’s new vice president of public affairs and impact.

McCaig brings more than 25 years of experience at the forefront of communications, business operations, and impact to REI. Most recently, she served as senior vice president of impact and communications at Clif Bar & Company. Prior to that, she worked in a variety of roles at Campbell Soup Company, including leadership roles in operations, procurement and corporate social responsibility. She also serves on the boards of B Lab U.S. & Canada and Sustainable Brands.

“Roma is a well-respected leader who is known for crafting transformative change and impact at scale with iconic brands,” said Ben Steele, chief customer officer, REI. “Her significant sustainability experience will guide our broad community impact work as REI continues to provide a consistent voice of influence within the outdoor industry and broader business space.”

In her role at REI, McCaig and the newly created public affairs and impact organization will work to scale the co-op’s mission and purpose. This work will include internal and external communications, employee events and recognition, sustainability, community partnerships, philanthropic giving, public policy, government affairs and broader advocacy initiatives.

“I joined the co-op nearly 20 years ago and have been a loyal member of REI ever since as my premier source for outdoor, adventure, and travel gear,” says McCaig. “Getting to join the REI team is a dream come true. I believe in my core that business can be a force for good, and that everyone should have equal access to time outside.”

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 23 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 188 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops 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.

 

November 27, 2023 — Share the love of the outdoors with friends and loved ones. No matter the weather, REI Co-op has all the best gift options for hiking, running, skiing, camping, cycling, paddling, or walking adventures. With an easy-to-navigate online gift guide, to special deals running through the month on gear, apparel and outings, REI has hundreds of ideas to help outfit anyone on the list.

During the co-op’s “Cyber Week Sale and Clearance Event” save up to 50% off with great deals on top brands like The North Face, KEEN, Salomon, Black Diamond, Hydro Flask, Garmin, Columbia, Yakima, Thule, Smartwool, REI Co-op and many more. Current deals for select items will end after Cyber Monday on Nov. 27, while other deals will continue to run through Dec. 4.Deal highlights:

• 40% off all REI Co-op brand fleece clothing, rain jackets and more
• 50% off all REI Co-op brand Magma 850 Down Hoodies
• 25% off gear from Hydro Flask, Black Diamond, Rumpl, Marmot, GSI Outdoors, Gerber and more
• 25% off footwear from La Sportiva, Oboz, Salomon, KEEN, Altra and more
• 25% off clothing from Columbia, Outdoor Research, Black Diamond, Duer and more
• 20% off all Yakima and Thule racks, roof boxes and rack accessories
• 30% off all The North Face clothing, gear and footwear – Nov. 27 only
• 40% off selected Saucony running shoes – Nov. 27 only
• REI Co-op Members save an extra 25% off one online REI Outlet item with code “CYBER23” through Nov. 27. Terms apply.
• Save up to 60% off handpicked online deals at REI Outlet Nov. 28 through Dec. 4
• REI Co-op Members save 10% off selected REI Adventure Travel trips to Zion and Bryce Canyon, Catalina Island, Alaska, the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell, and Shenandoah when booked Nov. 25 through Dec. 18. Terms apply. For trip details see www.REI.com/trips-on-sale.

REI believes the best gifts are meant to go outside. REI’s online gift center makes it easy to find the best gifts by category or price point. From stocking stuffers like gift cards, socks, mittens, hats, headlamps, or insulated mugs, to bigger items including jackets, blankets, backpacks, tents or e-bikes, and gifts for pets or kiddos, REI’s guide selections will help create outdoor memories for years to come.

Invite someone to go outside by gifting an REI Co-op membership for a lifetime of outdoor adventure. An REI Co-op membership gives loved ones year-round access to even better deals on favorite gear and apparel brands. Members who join the co-op for a one-time $30 fee enjoy a range of benefits, including access to the co-op’s lightly used gear and trade-in program called Re/Supply; discounts on shop services and experiences; a share of the co-op’s annual profits based on qualifying purchases in the form of a Member Reward; and more. In addition to discounts at the co-op’s bike shop, REI members receive free flat tire repair (labor only, parts not included) and free machine wax for skis and snowboards.

REI Co-op members always enjoy free shipping, and everyone can enjoy free shipping for orders over $50. Order before 9 a.m. PT on December 19 for standard shipping by December 25. Following the co-op’s cyber week sale, stay tuned for more incredible holiday deals in mid-December and take advantage of continued great deals – some just for REI members.

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 23 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 188 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops 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.

PARK CITY, Utah (Nov. 27, 2023) — Backcountry, the leading, premium specialty retailer of outdoor gear and apparel, has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its European subsidiary, Bergfreunde, to Decathlon, a global sporting goods retailer based in France. This strategic decision will allow Backcountry to reduce leverage and focus on amplifying its core business in the North American market.

Bergfreunde has experienced significant growth under Backcountry’s ownership. The successful partnership with Backcountry has positioned Bergfreunde to further grow its European footprint alongside Decathlon, with its 45+ years of experience and deep international roots within the outdoor market. Decathlon, known for its extensive range of affordable and high-quality outdoor products, will acquire Bergfreunde’s well-established brand and customer base in Europe. The acquisition is in line with Decathlon’s commitment to expanding its presence and offering diverse outdoor solutions to customers across the region.

“We’re proud of Bergfreunde’s growth over Backcountry’s 10-year ownership and look forward to watching its continued success with Decathlon,” says Melanie Cox, Backcountry CEO. “Closing this deal will allow Backcountry to focus on furthering its commitment to the North American market, as well as explore new opportunities to expand the Backcountry brand.”

Backcountry, along with North American subsidiaries Competitive Cyclist, Motosport and Steep and Cheap, will continue to grow its business through ecommerce, retail storefronts, and wholesale expansion.

J.P. Morgan Securities acted as financial advisor to Backcountry and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP acted as legal advisor.

For more information and media inquiries, please email Kevin McCormack at kevin.mccormack@rygr.us.

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About Backcountry

Since our founding in 1996, Backcountry’s vision has been to provide the best outdoor gear—and to be the best at doing it. We differentiate ourselves with a broad assortment of premium outdoor lifestyle gear and apparel from hundreds of brands, including our Backcountry Gear and Apparel line, paired with expert Gearhead customer service and a seamless omnichannel offering. Backcountry elevates the entire outdoor experience and delivers memorable interactions that bring our customers back season-after-season.

About Decathlon

Decathlon S.E. based in Villeneuve-d’Ascq (northern France), is an internationally active manufacturer and distributor of sports equipment and clothing. The range of more than 35,000 different sport related items, which is mainly based on own brands, offers equipment and clothes for more than 75 sports. The company has more than 1,751 shops in 72 countries and has more than 105,000 employees. In 2022, Decathlon had net revenues of €15.4 billion, growing 12% over 2021.

About TSG Consumer Partners

TSG Consumer Partners, LP is a leading private equity firm with approximately $20 billion in assets under management that partners with founders and management teams to build and accelerate growth for best-in-class consumer-facing businesses. Since its founding in 1986, TSG has been an active investor in the consumer industry. Representative past and present partner companies include Canyon Bicycles, Duckhorn, Dutch Bros, e.l.f. Cosmetics, IT Cosmetics, Joe Hudson’s Collision Centers, Mavis Tires, Planet Fitness, popchips, Power Stop, Radiance Holdings, REVOLVE, Revolut, Rough Country, Smashbox, Super Star Car Wash, Stumptown, The Wrench Group, Thrive Pet Healthcare, and Vitaminwater. For more information, visit tsgconsumer.com.

 

 

 

 

Portland, Ore. (Nov. 27, 2023) – Over the last year Vimazi has continued to showcase and educate the run industry on the biomechanical advantages of pace-tuned running shoes. Vimazi’s tuning technology increases impact cushioning and torsional stability over other shoe technologies and delivers important health benefits. The tuned density of Vimazi’s Z-Foam midsole balances the different forces generated under the foot to ensure reduced shock on landing and increased control during push-off. Vimazi’s full collection now features shoes for walkers, fitness runners, elite marathoners, ultra-distance trail runners and everything in between.

New to their line-up is the new Trail Z2 and Trail Z3 which offer a smoother transition from road to trail than current generations of trail running shoes. The Trail Z2 is specifically tuned for greater control on steep terrain and faster descents, while the Trail Z3 is tuned for a softer ride and slower descents. The smooth road performance is thanks in part to the flat surfaced outsole lugs in combination with sawtooth patterns for both muddy and hard surface traction. Both models feature an external rear stabilizer, stump-ready toe protection,  built-in forefoot control during push-off, and a roomy toe box. The trail shoes come in men’s and women’s versions and will retail for $170 MSRP.

Being featured for the first time is Vimazi’s new walking shoe, tuned to a walking gait. The Vimazi Z90 is biomechanically tuned for maximum comfort and minimum stress whether walking briskly, strolling or working out at the gym. The patented technology strikes the scientifically derived balance of stiffness and comfort between heel and forefoot to reduce the stress and fatigue on the feet. The sock-style design, crafted with stretchy engineered mesh, makes the Z90 ridiculously comfortable and easy to slip on and off. A low drop, rocker, and flexibility make walking feel effortless. The shoe comes in a men’s and women’s version and retails for $150.

This year Vimazi has focused on growing both their direct-to-consumer business as well as growing in specialty retailers. Vimazi has also worked on growing their business internationally with distribution in Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. Vimazi brought on industry expert Scott McCoubrey as National Sales Manager and has worked to grow the retail side of the business throughout the year.

Additionally, Vimazi created a Medical Advisory Board comprised of sports medicine experts, podiatric surgeons and biomechanists with a shared goal of reducing running injuries. The Vimazi Medical Advisory Board works with the brand to broaden and deepen the scientific understanding of impact strain and stability stress on the body while running, specifically with respect to running footwear and the innovation of pace-tuned shoes.

The full line-up of Vimazi’s pace-tuned shoes will be on display at The Running Event this year. Vimazi will be in booth #1742. To schedule an appointment please contact marisa@verdepr.com.

To learn more about Vimazi, follow along on social media and sign up for their email newsletter at https://vimazi.com/.

About Vimazi

Founded by footwear industry veterans and life-long marathoners, Vimazi shoes are engineered to reduce shock and increase stability,  because they balance the different forces underfoot in walking and running.  The patented FastPod technology is derived from the pure  physics of motion.  For additional information, please visit vimazi.com or email faster@vimazi.com.

 

 

Wake Forest, N.C. (Nov. 27, 2023) – New performance running sock brand Jogology launched exclusively at Run specialty retailers throughout the U.S. in September and now is carried in over 60 retailer partners across the U.S. The new brand will make its formal debut to the industry at The Running Event (TRE) November 28-30, 2023 in Austin, Texas. TRE attendees can meet Jogology founders Tanya and Bert Pictor and Luke Rowe and see the entire sock collection at booth #923.

“We are very excited to be attending TRE this year as a new brand, and we couldn’t be more eager to see retailer friends and make new industry connections for Jogology,” said Tanya Pictor, co-founder of Jogology. “When creating our business plan and core brand tenants, Bert, Luke, and I always knew we wanted to focus on specialty retailers. We know that Run Specialty is the heart of the run industry, and  we have been thrilled with their response to Jogology.”

Jogology prioritizes supporting and fostering the growth of its valued retail partners and is committed to building enduring partnerships. Recently, the team has spent time visiting all the new retail stores that just started distributing Jogology’s socks to connect with store owners and sales associates. Going the extra mile for their partners is how Jogology shows its retail partners how they can thrive together, contributing to each other’s success and this commitment lays the foundation for continuous growth and success.

Jogology has already seen early success and positive responses from media and consumers alike. The collection of low, medium and high cushion no show socks recently won 2024 Gear of the Year from Runner’s World.

In the coming months Jogology plans to continue growing their retail presence. They also plan to grow a new ambassador program with key members of local running communities to share the Jogology message and brand commitment to all runners.

For additional information on Jogology, please visit https://jogology.com/.

About Jogology

Jogology™ is a performance running sock brand made by runners, for runners. One unique design, one sustainable moisture-management yarn, all the bells and whistles you need to perform at your best. Our socks provide comfort, performance and value all in equal measures. They’re designed to help you go the distance, whatever that may be for you. Partnering with and supporting organizations that reach out and connect with the running community is a key pillar of this new brand. Our aim is that Jogology™ becomes a vehicle for all runners, each with their own unique social interests, to be able to reach out and connect where it matters to them most. To learn more about the brand, please visit: jogology.com.