Archives: Press Releases

Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open a store in Sarasota, Florida in fall 2023. The location will offer a wide assortment of apparel, gear and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, paddling, climbing and more. For those who adventure on two wheels, a full-service bike shop will be staffed by certified mechanics.

“Ten years ago, we opened our first store in Florida with a Jacksonville location. We’ve long recognized the opportunity to better serve our customers who live and play in the Sarasota area, as they have been driving an hour to our Tampa store,” said Les Hatton, REI regional director. “Incredible natural places such as Alafia State Park, Myakka River State Park, Robinson Preserve and many others offer some of the best cycling, paddling, hiking, bird watching, and outdoor activities in the state. We look forward to being a resource to the community and building lasting relationships with regional nonprofits.”

Store Facts                 

• Location: University Town Center, 161 North Cattlemen Road
• Store Size: 25,000 square feet
• Store Features: Full-service bike shop, buy online-pick up in store, curbside pickup
• REI Co-op Membership: 114,000 members in the Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota) DMA and 512,000 members in Florida
• REI Stores in Florida: Tampa (56 miles away, opened 2021), Winter Park (128 miles away, opened 2017), Palm Beach Gardens (165 miles away, opened 2022), Gainesville (173 miles away, opened 2020), Boca Raton, (222 miles away, opened 2020), Jacksonville, (256 miles away, opened 2013), Tallahassee (299 miles away, opened 2022)

As the country’s largest consumer co-op, anyone is welcome to tap into the expertise of REI’s store staff and online resources such as its Expert Advice library to learn or advance skills, plan adventures, and more. Members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits, including a used gear 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; and more. In addition to discounts at the co-op’s bike shop, REI members receive free flat-tire repair (labor only).

REI believes deeply in supporting the long-term health of the outdoors. The co-op has invested millions of dollars in local nonprofits to steward trails, waterways and parks and connect people to the outdoors. Over the last five years, Florida land agencies and nonprofit partners have received more than $450,000. Last year, $102,500 was distributed to 15 nonprofits across the state, including Alafia State Park, Florida State Parks Foundation and Florida Trail Association. Complementing REI’s community investments, REI’s Cooperative Action Fund invests in nonprofits to build a more equitable and inclusive outdoor community. Florida recipients include Adaptive Adventures (Tampa and Miami), Black Girls RUN! Foundation chapters throughout the state, and HBCUs Outside (Tallahassee).

Join the REI team 
REI expects to hire approximately 50 employees for REI Sarasota. Candidates interested in joining the team can apply online at REI.com/jobs and learn about the general hiring timeline. Candidates can set a job alert on the co-op’s career site to be notified when positions post. All employees will receive a wide variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions. REI employees also enjoy unique perks, such as two paid annual “Co-op Way Days” that allow them to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity and an additional paid day off on Black Friday to encourage all employees to #OptOutside. REI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables a life outdoors for everyone. The co-op seeks candidates who demonstrate shared values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism.

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 21.5 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 181 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.

OrthoLite®, the global leader of sustainable, performance and comfort insoles and footwear materials solutions, and Novamont, the international leader in the development, production and eco-design of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics and biochemicals, announce an exclusive partnership in the creation of OrthoLite Cirql™, the world’s first circular foam material solution for footwear. 

OrthoLite Cirql foam is a patented footwear materials solution combining OrthoLite’s 26 years of expertise and innovation in foaming polymers and Novamont’s world-leading bio-based, compostable and recyclable polymer to provide the first technology capable of greatly reducing the high impact of the manufacturing process with multiple end-of-life disposal options.

According to a new Life Cycle Assessment carried out by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a typical pair of running shoes generates 14 kg/30 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to running a 100-watt light bulb for a week.  Every year, in the United States alone, people throw away more than 300 million pairs of shoes, 95% of which end up in landfills.

OrthoLite Cirql will offer a traditional plastic-free, scalable and truly circular material to OrthoLite’s 500+ footwear brand partners and factory stakeholders in 2023.

“OrthoLite Cirql illuminates the path forward to truly circular footwear,” said Glenn Barrett, CEO and Founder of OrthoLite. “We are excited to be partnering with Novamont to escalate scalable solutions to drive positive change in the global footwear industry. This partnership is built on trust and transparency, as well as a relentless commitment to equip our 500-plus global footwear brand partners to have access to single-source circular materials, starting with the midsole.”

OrthoLite sought out the high-tech bio-polymer company because of Novamont’s pioneering activities in the field of the circular bioeconomy and for its 30 years of experience in the development of chemical and biotechnological processes to create low-impact certified biodegradable and compostable solutions with multiple end of life options for everyday life, including: packaging, separating organic waste collection, retail purchasing, disposable tableware, farming, lubricants, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and more. 

“Proving by facts that it is possible to ‘do more with less,’ Novamont has always based its model on the development of products conceived as true catalysts for change, which are capable of activating much greater systemic effects than the product itself, and not as mere substitutes for traditional ones,” explained Catia Bastioli, CEO and Founder of Novamont. “Our philosophy has always been to avoid the problems of pollutant accumulation in the environment, and the fruitful collaboration with OrthoLite, a company that is also committed in finding solutions and not just products, allows us to bring our approach to the footwear industry for the first time.”

OrthoLite Cirql is free from “forever chemicals” and responsibly sourced from non-GMO traditional vegetable raw materials derived from plants plus synthetic biodegradable materials.  The material can be returned to the production cycle by low-energy, advanced chemical recycling to help keep materials in use or back to nature as fully compostable through selected industrial composting methods and processors. Using existing and new, closed loop, take back, recycling streams for footwear, scalable end of life management will involve collaboration with footwear brands and the waste management sector. OrthoLite Cirql will also help avoid the accumulation of persistent microplastics as particles will biodegrade similar to natural polymers such as cellulose.

Novamont Research developed a tailor made bio-polymer material for the OrthoLite Cirql’s chemical-free foaming process which uses nitrogen (from the air we breathe) combined with renewable energy. Unlike the conventional foaming methods currently used, no dangerous or toxic chemical additives are used in the production of Cirql. The biopolymer pellets are melted and mixed with liquid nitrogen under extreme pressure, in a unique injection molding process that results in incredibly efficient cycle times that reduce energy consumption and create a finished part with no downtime, polymerization or waste.

Certified as a B Corp in 2020 with a top-tier ranking, Novamont is a member of the United Nations’ Global Compact network, a leadership platform for the development and implementation of responsible corporate policies and practices. OrthoLite Cirql marks the company’s debut in the footwear industry. Together, the partners are bringing a global solution for environmental improvement across the global footwear industry, a market currently valued at around $400 billion. 

Operating sustainably has also been central to OrthoLite’s DNA since its founding more than 25 years ago, beginning with footwear insoles containing recycled rubber. As the insole supplier of choice for more than 470 leading footwear brands worldwide, across all categories – outdoor, athletic, running, comfort, golf, lifestyle, and fashion – OrthoLite insoles are utilized in more than 500+ million pairs of shoes every year. With trust-based relationships through its wholly-owned and vertically integrated global supply chain and production facilities located in countries around the world, OrthoLite’s commitment to sustainable, circular solutions has an immense and measurable global impact. The brand’s current goal is to achieve zero waste, which is a significant step toward pollution reduction and the regeneration of natural systems—central tenets of circular, sustainable solutions. 

OrthoLite Cirql is committed to full transparency and third-party validation, and has undergone extensive third-party testing and analysis including a complete Life Cycle IVL Assessment. OrthoLite Cirql is Certified Industrial Compostable – (Din Certco), REACH-certified (EU) and USDA Certified Bio Preferred®, RSL compliant (Intertek), certified GMO-free, certified Vegan and Hypoallergenic.

OrthoLite’s Cirql headquarters is in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam where its factory achieved an overall verified score of 95% from the Higg Index in 2022. As a vertically integrated company with its owned and operated factories across the globe, OrthoLite understands how to implement scalability with its brand partners and their Tier 1 footwear factories. OrthoLite has room to scale capacity on site at its factory in Vietnam and will work with the footwear brands and their factory partners who will meet the larger demands of the brands when it comes to scaling it. Novamont, headquartered in Novara, Italy, is also a global, vertically integrated company with the means to scale and grow this innovation in stride with OrthoLite. OrthoLite Cirql is moving from the lab into production scale in the back half of 2023.

For more information about OrthoLite Cirql, visit OrtholiteCirql.com. For more information about Novamont, visit Novamont.com.

About OrthoLite®

OrthoLite is the world’s leading supplier of open-cell foam technology, and the innovator and creator of OrthoLite Cirql™, the patented, revolutionary alternative to conventional plastics that provides footwear brands and their factory partners with the most sustainable, circular choice in materials. OrthoLite’s innovative footwear solutions are available to brands that share a vision for the future of sustainable footwear. Currently OrthoLite is found in more than 550 million shoes across all categories each year from brands such as Adidas, Altra, Asics, Brooks, Clarks, Converse, Danner, ECCO, Fendi, HOKA, Hugo Boss, Justin, New Balance, On, Reebok, Rothy’s, Salomon, Skechers, The North Face, Timberland, Toms, Under Armour, and Vans.

 OrthoLite has a long-standing history of meaningful partnerships and sponsorships that demonstrate a dedicated commitment to supporting its customers, consumers, brand partners and the footwear industry. OrthoLite is the Official Insole sponsor of the New York Yankees, and strong supporter of the Two Ten Foundation. Stay up to date with company news by visiting OrthoLite.com and OrthoLiteCirql.com, and following OrthoLite on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. To learn more about the benefits of OrthoLite, visit www.ortholite.com.

About Novamont:

Novamont is a Benefit Company, certified B Corporation, world leader in the production of bioplastics and in the development of biochemicals and bioproducts through the integration of chemistry, environment and agriculture. With 650 employees, the group has a turnover of approximately 414 million euro and constantly invests in research and innovation (50 million euro in 2021, employing 20% of staff); it holds approximately 1,400 patents and patent applications. It has headquarters in Novara, production plants in Terni, Bottrighe (Rovigo province) and Patrica (Frosinone province) and research laboratories in Novara, Terni and Piana di Monte Verna (Caserta province). It has set up a joint venture with Versalis (Eni group) in Porto Torres (Sassari province) and Mater-Agro, a company for the development and distribution of agricultural solutions with Coldiretti. It is active internationally with offices in Germany, France, Spain and the United States. Through its distributors, Novamont is present in more than 40 countries on all continents. In 2021 it acquired BioBag International, a world leader in the development, production and marketing of certified biodegradable and compostable applications, with headquarters in Askim (Norway), a production plant in Dagö (Estonia) and a presence in nine other countries worldwide. For more information, please visit www.novamont.com.

Moosejaw, a leading retailer specializing in outdoor gear and apparel, today announced the winners of its fourth-annual Outdoor Accelerator Program (MOA) in conjunction with partner ICELab . Aimed at boosting startup companies and increasing diversity within the outdoor industry, the company received over 40 submissions, narrowing it down to 10 finalists. Voting for the final ten ran from February 25th through March 6th and the four winning companies selected for the 2023 Accelerator program are: Coastal Range Equipment, Fernweh Food Co., Near Zero, WNDR Outdoors, 

MOA’s mission is to help founders from diverse backgrounds achieve their dreams of growing a successful outdoor company. This year’s winners include a variety of products from cooking gear and food to a backpack and plus size clothing. The program provides access to educational and network resources, strategic mentorships, legal advice, and potential investors. 

“We strongly believe in supporting the next generation of outdoor entrepreneurs because they breathe a fresh perspective into our community, and through their distinctive products, they are able to introduce more consumers to the outdoor experience,” said Eoin Comerford, CEO Moosejaw. “We have seen with our previous winners, when given strategic advice on marketing, eCommerce and retail, they have gone on to be very successful.” 

The four chosen outdoor startups will participate in an eight-week comprehensive program beginning May 8 structured to turbocharge their growth. The MOA program is designed for startup organizations that are pre-revenue, but have an advanced business plan and a prototype for physical products. While not a requirement, the MOA initiative seeks to support founders from underrepresented groups in the outdoor industry or businesses whose mission is to improve inclusivity and accessibility for all outdoors. 

Coastal Range Equipment – California

Coastal Range Equipment engineers lightweight, high quality, and easy-to-uses outdoor cooking gear designed to fuel human-powered outdoor activities. These stoves are designed by an award-winning designer John Peretti who set out on his own to further innovate in the camp stove space. Coastal Range Equipment produces affordable, simple solutions to backcountry cooking that are accessible to all.

Fernweh Food Co. – Oregon

Fernweh Food Co. makes great tasting, plant-based and gluten-free dehydrated meals –  all in sustainable packaging. This woman-led team by founder Ashley Lance aims to reduce waste in the adventure food industry by eliminating single-use plastics that end up in landfills. Fernweh’s packaging is entirely omnidegradable, and will break down into biomass and CO2 no matter where it ends up. On top of sustainable packaging, the meals are delicious and entirely vegan and free of preservatives.

Near Zero – Arizona

Near Zero specializes in bundled lightweight backpacking gear designed to give everyone the confidence to get out and go. Their patent-pending backpack design delivers quick and easy access to all gear using a labeled and compartmentalized storage system that is designed to maximize comfort and optimize weight distribution. Near Zero even builds standard ultralight bundles, making it convenient to get out there for newcomers and old pros alike. Founded by Scott Jensen.

WNDR Outdoors – Colorado & Vermont

Created by plus-size adventurers Arwen Turner & Kara Hardman for plus-size adventurers, WNDR Outdoors strives to increase representation of larger-bodied folks outdoors by creating technical outdoor apparel in true plus sizes. 68% of women in the US are a size 14 and above, yet the outdoor industry has historically excluded this population. Finding plus-size technical hiking pants that are high quality, fit comfortably, and have useful tech specs is difficult.  Brands that do include plus-sizes most commonly only go up to size 22 and these extended-sizes of the straight size (non-plus size) fits are not made with plus-size bodies in mind. WNDR Outdoors aims to change that.

About Moosejaw 

About Moosejaw: Founded in 1992, Moosejaw is a leading online active outdoor retailer with a large web presence as well as 12 physical stores. It carries more than 600 brands, including Marmot, Fjallraven and Prana and includes an extensive assortment of apparel and gear for climbing, hiking, camping, snow sports, yoga, water sports and biking. Moosejaw is headquartered in Madison Heights, Michigan. 

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Collab offers surf repair essentials with other adventure necessities in one compact, water-resistant kit

ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia – March 14, 2023 – VSSL, creator of premium gear that enables self-reliance in the outdoors, today introduced the VSSL x FCS Surf Supply Kit, a trusted companion for every surfer. The kit is designed to store all essential surf repair components in one compact, lightweight and easy-to-access capsule.

“We partnered with FCS, an expert in surf, to develop the ideal assortment of equipment to give you and your gear confidence and protection during those incredible days on the water,” said Todd Weimer, founder of VSSL. “The compact, functional and minimalist design makes the VSSL x FCS Surf Repair Kit an easy add to any adventure pack.”

 

The VSSL x FCS Surf Repair Kit offers essential, expert-curated supplies, with a four-mode LED lantern endcap which offers 20 hours of continuous light and 40 hours of SOS display. The kit’s contents include:

• Surf Repair Kit:
  • Six Tenacious Tapes – For temporary wetsuit repair
  • Three Puka Patches and Buff Pad – For quick board repair
  • Phix Doctor Resin – A UV-activated repair resin with sand paper and applicator for more permanent repairs
  • Thumb Screw + Plate – For repairing longboard and SUP fins
  • Six FCS Fin Screws and FCS Fin Key – Backup fin screws and a fin key for tightening
  • Bamboo Wax Comb – For removing wax or roughing up existing wax for better traction
  • Three Zip Ties – For leash repair or miscellaneous gear repair of all kinds
• Wound Cover Kit:
  • Six Wound Closure Strips – A better version of a butterfly bandage for deeper wounds
  • Four Bandages – Two large and two small bandages for lighter wound coverage
• Four Hour Beeswax Candle – For camp ambience, emergency heat, and zipper repair
• Fire Striker Kit:
  • Five Waterproof Tinder Quickfire starting tabs
  • Tethered Ferrocerium Rod
  • Ceramic Striker in protective housing
• Multipurpose Adventure Tape – For wound care, gear repairs, marking trails and more.

“Whether you’re packing for a trip down the coast or heading to more exotic locations, this kit will ensure you’re ready for whatever the waves bring,” continued Weimer. “This is a surf supplies kit you do not want to leave behind!”

The VSSL x FCS Surf Supply Kit (MSRP: $130) is available online at www.vsslgear.com.

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About VSSL
VSSL makes integrated gear systems designed for the outdoors. We’re experts in self-sufficiency and believe good things come to those who are ready. Our essential supplies, purpose-built equipment and compact storage solutions are housed in durable vessels – field-tested in Canada and made to last.