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Superfeet, the global insole industry leader, appoints new chief operating officer, Dan Spitzer, to lead the brand’s domestic and international strategic operations and growth. With over 30 years of experience optimizing operations, enhancing margins and accelerating revenue growth for large multinational companies, Spitzer will work directly with the executive team to implement his proven strategies for success. In addition to hiring Spitzer, Superfeet hired new CFO, Cambria Schmidt, in February, further bolstering the brand’s leadership team.

“We believe investing in quality people who value the unique Superfeet culture of prioritizing people, innovation and doing the right thing is imperative to the success of our business, and our recent leadership hires reflect this commitment,” says John Rauvola, CEO of Superfeet. “Dan’s positive impact is being felt immediately throughout the organization, stemming from his engaging entrepreneurial spirit, results-orientated mindset and diverse track record of scaling up industry-leading global businesses.”

Spitzer’s professional experience includes leading end-to-end supply chain operations for a fast-growing gaming accessories company, PowerA, growing revenue by 20% in 2021. Prior to that, he directed the Hong Kong office of Mattel worldwide and led the entire supply chain integration of Evolution Fresh into Starbucks, penetrating specialty retailers including Whole Foods and Safeway.

“Superfeet’s storied history of industry defining products, prioritizing philanthropy and the people-first approach to building the organization initially drew me to the brand. After a handful of interviews their clear vision for the future and the passionate and driven people at Superfeet ultimately helped steer my decision to join the leadership team,” says Spitzer. “The opportunity for significant brand growth is present and I’m motivated to nurture this upward trajectory.”

For media inquiries, please contact Rob Steffens, rob.steffens@rygr.us.

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ABOUT SUPERFEET WORLDWIDE, LLC: For more than 40 years, Pacific Northwest-based Superfeet has been creating innovative insoles featuring the Superfeet^® shape, helping millions of people worldwide experience unparalleled comfort, pain relief, and performance. Today, through the latest advancements in 3D-printing technology, Superfeet is breaking down barriers associated with custom products by providing easier access to state-of-the-art personalized fit. Superfeet gives 1% of sales and countless volunteer hours to help others shape a strong foundation for a healthy future. For more, visit superfeet.com. 

Driven by its love for nature, circular sportswear brand Houdini has been revolutionizing the outdoor and textile industry since 1993, creating real alternatives to linear apparel with innovative designs. With a focus on doing more with less, to create designs that are timeless, functional, and minimalist, Houdini uses recycled or natural materials that have evolved over millions of years and transforms them into components for circular, sustainable sportswear.

A love affair between nature and technology

Four billion years of natural innovation built the foundation for this collection. In combination with modern, human technology, natural components were further enhanced in their performance. Revolutionary thinking, cutting-edge technologies like these and new habits are indispensable to change the world for the better. These principles manifest themselves in the new collection. It starts where the inventiveness of nature itself ends.

“The idea is to evolve natural fibers like Merino wool or TENCEL™ Lyocell with the help of cutting-edge technology,” stated Jesper Danielsson, Houdini Sportswear, Head of Design & Product. “Natural resources, borrowed from nature and transformed into highly functional fabrics using the latest technology. The New Naturals – revolutionary, new and yet purely natural.”

Materials used for the collection are returned to nature. From the base layer to the mid layer and the shell layer, except for a few components, the products are biodegradable and thus, decomposed into their original components, provide a basis for new life and resources. With The New Naturals, Houdini creates a unique alternative to linear sportswear and a circular collection that is as smart and effective as nature itself. The ultimate symbiosis of the latest human technology and naturally occurring designs.

The collection – an innovative partnership with The Woolmark Company, TENCEL™ and Südwolle Group

From nature comes the world’s most technically advanced and original performance fiber. Offering superb breathability, moisture-wicking and thermoregulating properties, Merino wool is also resistant to odor, making it the natural choice for Houdini’s latest offering.

 “The Woolmark Company and Houdini have long shared similar values regarding the creation of quality, technical products with minimal impact,” explains The Woolmark Company Managing Director John Roberts. “As a 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable fiber, Merino wool’s inherent circular attributes align with Houdini’s ethos and provides the ultimate ingredient for The New Naturals collection.”

With longtime close cooperation between established names of the textile industry, a carefully designed collection of indispensable basics was created. All partners have high sustainability standards, which they have proven in years of collaboration with Houdini.

Natural fibers such as Merino wool and TENCEL™ Lyocell have been enhanced and developed in partnership with The Woolmark Company, the global leader in Merino wool, and TENCEL™, the Lenzing Group’s flagship brand. With over five decades of experience in the textile industry, leading spinner Südwolle Group is a key player in the production of the New Naturals collection. With an extensive network of suppliers, manufacturers, designers and brands, Südwolle Group is a strong partner throughout the textile supply chain.

“Cross-industry collaboration is fundamental to not only share the journey towards more sustainable, circular practices and products, but also to achieve industry transformation. This is what makes Houdini’s latest offering so exciting.” (The Woolmark Company Managing Director John Roberts).

In The New Naturals, Houdini offers a collection for adventures of all kinds. The natural fabrics offer maximum comfort and natural performance for protection from the elements. The collection consists of three styles, from a warming base layer, to cozy midlayers and protective and breathable shells.

The Baselayer: Desoli

100% Merino wool base-layers perfect for hiking, skiing, climbing, and bicycle commuting. The original performance fiber, Merino wool is odor resistant and offers suburb moisture-wicking and thermoregulation benefits. The Desoli garments use renewable fibers that are both biodegradable and recyclable, making it a completely circular product range. MSRP Range: $55 – $250

The Midlayer: Alto

An exceptional blend of Merino wool and TENCEL ™ branded lyocell fibres provides a soft, breathable feel without compromising thermal performance. TENCEL ™ is the Lenzing Group’s flagship brand covering the range of specialty fibers for textiles, enhancing Merino wool’s inherent technical benefits. Due to their wood-based origin, the lyocell fibers are biodegradable and especially gentle on the skin. MSRP Range: $180 – $250

The Shell Layer: Lana

The newly developed shell layer made of 100% Merino wool protects against wind and cold, while still being breathable. Innovative fiber stretching technology creates a wind and water-resistant fabric, without the need for chemicals that are harmful to nature.  The crafted silhouettes also allow for a noiseless fit without sacrificing functionality. MSRP Range: $500 – $650

About The Woolmark Company

The Woolmark Company is the global authority on wool. Through their extensive network of relationships spanning the international textile and fashion industries, they highlight Australian wool’s position as the world’s premium, sustainable fiber that is optimal for circular, traceable products.

The Woolmark logo is one of the world’s most recognized and respected brands, providing assurance of the highest quality, and representing pioneering excellence and innovation from farm through to finished product. 

The Woolmark Company is a subsidiary of Australian Wool Innovation, a non-profit enterprise that conducts research, development and marketing along the worldwide supply chain for Australian wool on behalf of about 60,000 woolgrowers that help fund the company.

About TENCEL™

TENCEL™ is the flagship brand under The Lenzing Group that covers textile specialty product fiber offerings. Since 1992, the TENCEL™ brand has been driving the evolution of fiber solutions for the apparel and home textile segments through several industry-first innovations and environmentally responsible production processes.  

Featuring botanic origin and biodegradable quality, TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers are gentle on skin with a smooth touch. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are versatile and can be combined with a wide range of textile fibers to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of fabrics. Through their inherent properties, such as moisture management, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers can absorb moisture efficiently, they contribute to a pleasant wearing comfort and are excellent in wool blends.

About Südwolle Group

Südwolle Group produces high quality worsted Merino yarns and Merino blends for flat and circular knitting, as well as weaving and technical scopes of application. Certificates such as ZQ Merino, OEKO-TEX®, the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), GOTS, IVN Best and bluesign® are fulfilled if so desired. That is how Südwolle Group is reducing the trend towards fast fashion and disposable products.

About Houdini Sportswear

Houdini is an odd band of friends from Sweden on a quest to reimagine the future of circular sportswear. Ever since the start in 1993 Houdini has challenged the norms of the outdoor industry, as a company led by women, as innovators of sustainable design and as pioneers of circular business models. Ultimately Houdini wants to enable and inspire people to reconnect to nature.

 

Dedicated to making fresh and ‘unboring’ things, bike and outdoor lighting accessory designer Knog presents riders with a new and incredibly versatile rear bike light: the Blinder Link. Available in both a rack and saddle mounting system, the Blinder Link allows riders the freedom to choose where to mount their tail light based on the type of riding they do. 

The latest addition to the innovative brand’s “to be seen by” collection, the Blinder Link is designed with two separate mounting systems, each allowing for optimal road visibility. Blinder Link Rack affixes to the rear of any rack, leaving an unobstructed view of the light to other road users, while Blinder Link Saddle mounts just below the saddle, keeping the seatpost clear of clutter and at the best position for maximum visibility. With Blinder Link Rack, commuters and bikepackers now have a seamless option that mounts perfectly to their racks. With Blinder Link Saddle, riders who prefer a more minimal setup can now easily mount their rear light directly under the saddle without taking up vital seatpost space. “More and more, we see people loading up their bikes and using them like a vehicle, especially in major cities,” says co-founder and designer Hugo Davidson. “And with those added panniers, or bags, we see less and less room to mount clearly visible lights. So we wanted to find a creative way to take our beloved Blinder V design and incorporate it into a new mounting style– one that would still be visible on a cargo bike with a rack full of groceries.” 

Weighing in at 77 g (Saddle) and 74g (Rack), Blinder Link is lightweight, super bright, and 100% waterproof (IP67). Using the latest in advanced Chip on Board (COB) LED Technology, Blinder Link packs a punch with a powerful 100 lumens, producing a clear, bright, and consistent light beam. The Blinder Link has eight modes to choose from, including a 50+ hour eco-flash runtime and an impressive four hour run time on its highest light mode. Whether you are looking for the best battery life or the most eye-catching light pattern, the Link has a multitude of options to pick from. Designed for both saddle and rack mounting, Blinder Link Rack fits 50mm or 80mm spacing for most common racks-carriers and Blinder Link Saddle provides a universal saddle rail mount that’s easy to fit and secure. Adding to its multifaceted design, both Blinder Link mounting options are clip wearable, allowing riders to attach the light anywhere they wish for additional visibility. When the Blinder Link’s USB-C rechargeable battery dips below 10% of its remaining charge, a convenient LED lights up red to let the rider know it’s time to recharge.  

Retailing at $59.95 USD, both the Blinder Link Saddle and Blinder Link Rack will be available to consumers later this summer at www.us.knog.com. For more information regarding Blinder Link, direct inquiries to Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com. For all distribution inquiries, contact International Sales Manager Colin@knog.com.au. 

About Knog

Knog was founded in 2002 as an Australia-based outdoor product company. We are the lovechild of co-founders Hugo Davidson (designer) and Mal McKechnie (engineer) who shared the same vision: to make unboring things. Our products are not only for the city. Urban to us is modern, progressive, youthful, design-driven, daring, and hedonistic. We like to sprinkle some of this urban flavor across all our cycling and outdoor products. Learn more about Knog at www.us.knog.com

REI Co-op and Airstream have partnered to design a Special Edition built on the Airstream Basecamp model, introducing a wide range of sustainability attributes to the travel trailer. The collaboration comes as REI is increasing its investment and solutions to support the growing customer segment pursuing vehicle-supported camping adventures. The REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp Travel Trailer will be available for co-op members to preview first at www.airstream.com/travel-trailers/. Customers can place orders beginning July 28 from authorized Airstream dealerships with pricing starting at $52,900.

“We’re honored to partner with REI on this special edition Basecamp travel trailer, and this partnership is another example of the efforts we’re taking to help reduce the carbon footprint of travel across the world in an Airstream,” said Airstream president and CEO Bob Wheeler. “This one-of-a-kind Basecamp travel trailer has helped us step into new territories and explore more sustainable manufacturing practices and materials as we work to prioritize caring for the environment. Through partnering with REI, Airstream is proud to offer a model that includes recycled materials, as well as features to help customers camp longer by conserving precious resources such as water.”

“REI has seen an expansion of the types of products people are buying and the ways in which people are camping, particularly from a rising customer segment that is younger, more diverse, and more spontaneous,” adds Isabelle Portilla, divisional vice president, REI Co-op brands product strategy and design. “These customers like camping at their own pace, consider themselves to be self-sufficient, and appreciate the ability to personalize their experience. This special-edition travel trailer collaboration is a great solution for vehicle-supported camping that enables a comfortable and personal experience, whether they enjoy booking Hipcamp reservations, or being self-sustained at a more remote location.”

Known for its iconic silver bullet travel trailers, Airstream chose the Basecamp 16 as the foundation for the special edition model with a keen focus on materials, aerodynamics, towability, and intentional features to enhance sustainability attributes. The REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp Travel Trailer features more environmentally friendly design choices aimed at reducing impact, such as fabrics and laminates made from post-consumer recycled materials, a cutting board sink cover made from recycled paper, and cabinetry crafted from lightweight and sustainably grown wood. Additional sustainability features that also enable a better off-grid camping experience include a recirculating water heater, an optional composting toilet, an advanced UV-LED and pre-filter water purification system, and an exclusive solar upgrade that includes 360 watts of flexible rooftop solar panels and a 200Ah battery bank for on-the-go sustainable power.

The 16-foot travel trailer has a spacious interior with a convertible dinette and lounge that transitions to a 76-inch x 76-inch bed space that can comfortably sleep two adults. The design is complete with exposed birch-ply cabinetry, durable stain-resistant upholstery, and rugged raised coin flooring that provides a textured, slip-resistant surface. This special edition trailer is also outfitted with a 25-piece REI Co-op product kit that includes REI Co-op and partner products, like the Co-op Camp Flexlite Dreamer Chair, Co-op Campwell Picnic Table Cover and Bench Covers, select OXO Camp Kitchen gear, and other useful accessories to help campers build out their functional spaces.

Camping has been central to the REI member and customer experience since 1938, and this new collaboration with Airstream offers another adventure option for people seeking vehicle-supported experiences that bridge the worlds of car camping and RVing. Since 2019, Co-op sales of vehicle-supported camp items, including refrigerators, car shelters, and rooftop tents have increased by 45 percent. To continue to meet the needs of this growing consumer segment, the Co-op has also expanded its offering with a full lineup of trusted and capable car camp brands and accessories as it seeks to become a leading national partner to help individuals outfit their daily vehicles for extended multisport adventures beyond the campsite.

Find full specifications of the REI Co-op + Airstream Special Edition Basecamp Travel Trailer here: www.airstream.com/travel-trailers/.

About Airstream
Airstream, manufacturer of the iconic “silver bullet” Airstream® travel trailer, is the longest-tenured recreational vehicle manufacturer in the world. The company’s mission, as set forth by founder Wally Byam, is to create well-designed, high-quality products that allow people to follow their dreams and explore the world in home-like comfort. A steadfast commitment to Byam’s creed, “Let’s not make changes, let’s only make improvements,” has made the aluminum Airstream travel trailer a timeless classic. An unwavering focus on innovation keeps the company at the forefront of technology and customer experience in both the towable and motorized sectors. Airstream is based in Jackson Center, Ohio, where a team of skilled craftspeople hand builds each travel trailer and upfits every Mercedes-Benz® touring coach, adding daily to the brand’s reputation for quality and innovation. Learn more about Airstream, our dealers, and current travel trailer and touring coach models at airstream.com. For the latest news on Airstream, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Airstream, Inc. is a subsidiary of Elkhart, IN-based THOR Industries, Inc. (NYSE: THO). THOR is the sole owner of operating subsidiaries that, combined, represent the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles. For more information on THOR Industries and its products, please visit thorindustries.com.

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 175 locations in 41 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. 

REI Co-op opens the doors of its first Nebraska location though a new Gretna store on Friday, September 23. The outdoor retailer invites local members and the community to join a three-day celebration scheduled for September 23-25. REI Gretna’s address is 21201 Nebraska Crossing Drive, just off I-80, Exit 432.  

The 22,000 square-foot store features a wide assortment of top-quality outdoor gear and apparel for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, snow sports, climbing and more. A specialty bike shop is staffed with certified mechanics to tune or repair equipment.

Doors open at 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. on Sunday during the celebration. Giveaways will be available each day while supplies last. An outdoor social is scheduled every afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. with music, nonprofits and outdoor brands including Altra, Black Diamond, Brooks Running, Cascade Designs, Darn Tough, ENO, Gregory Mtn Products, Küat, Mountain Hardwear, Nikwax, Oboz Footwear, Osprey, Sea to Summit and Smartwool.

“REI aspires to be at the center of people’s active lifestyles,” said Josh O’Connell, REI store manager. “Our team of 57 associates have a passion for the outdoors and we are ready to be a resource to the community.” 

REI is country’s largest consumer co-op with 21.5 million lifetime members. Anyone is welcome to shop at REI and tap into the company’s resources in support of their active lifestyle, but members enjoy a range of benefits. Member perks include free shipping; a used gear trade-in program in exchange for REI gift cards; free bike flat tire repair and discounts on shop services, special pricing on REI experiences (classes, day trips and multiday adventure travel); a share of the co-op’s annual profits based on qualifying purchases; early access to gear and apparel; and more. Before the outdoor retailer opens its doors, there are nearly 21,000 residents across Nebraska who have an REI membership, of which more than 14,000 members are in Gretna, Lincoln, and Omaha.

REI believes deeply in supporting the long-term health of the outdoors in the communities where it has a presence. The co-op annually invests millions of dollars in local nonprofit organizations to steward trails, waterways and parks and connect people to the outdoors. The company is investing a total of $20,000 in three regional nonprofits – Fontenelle Forest, Keep Omaha Beautiful, and THOR (Trails Have Our Respect) – in celebration of REI Gretna’s grand opening.

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 more than 21 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 177 locations in 41 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.

Crazy, an Italian performance apparel company known for its European heritage in ski touring and mountaineering, is proud to announce that its athlete, Jovica Spajic, won the Bigfoot 200 Endurance Run, a 209.5 mile ultramarathon held in Washington state in August. Spajic, from Zemun, Serbia, won in 56 hours, 52 minutes and 2 seconds in his first appearance at the Bigfoot 200.

The point to point race starts in Mount St. Helens, ending in Randle and features over 6,000 feet of ascent through the varied terrain of the Cascade Mountains including forest, volcanic peaks, streams and rivers.

“We couldn’t be more proud of Jovica,” said Crazy Team Manager Gil Pintarelli. “What he was able to accomplish over four days is nothing short of remarkable. His attitude, pace and commitment are second to none.” 

Spajic wore the T-Shirt Flash and the Short Flash from the Legend Collection designed in collaboration with Fabio Meraldi, a respected pioneer of ski mountaineering and skyrunning. It features Polartec® Delta™ that regulates drying times and enables enhanced breathability when wet, providing the performance runners need in a wide range of temperatures. The shorts use elastic Polartec Power Stretch® creating a four-way stretch that meets the demanding push and pull of endurance racing. It incorporates Crazy’s fast and light design that is especially suited for grueling races like the Bigfoot 200.

“I’ve been competing in ultramarathons and endurance runs for a decade, but this was my first time running in the Bigfoot,” said Spajic. “The community and positive energy here is something special. Not every race offers a sense of love as this one does, making this event so unique. I couldn’t have done this without the support of Crazy, my family, friends, hosts and my training team of Ben Light and Mike McKnight.”

Spajic, who has been with Crazy for just about a year, will race next in The Montane Spine Race in the United Kingdom in January 2023. Spajic has been competing in ultramarathons since 2012 and has completed more than 30 ultramarathon races longer than 200 kilometers across the globe. He values the personal challenges and community aspects of ultramarathon racing that have empowered him to have truly unique experiences around the world.

About Crazy: Since 1989, Crazy has been the original fast and light clothing brand, setting a new industry standard. Featuring the lightest down jacket in the world, Crazy apparel is crafted with next generation fabrics that maintain thermal protection while reducing weight and size. Founded by Valeria Colturi, a former cross-country ski athlete, Crazy reimagines ski touring and mountaineering clothing by creating unique products that are fashion-forward and eliminate unnecessary elements. Visit crazy.it/us/en/ for more information. 

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Houdini, the functional life wear company committed to designs that are timeless, versatile, minimalist and circular, today announces a bolstered global leadership team and the establishment of a U.S. office in Portland, Oregon, a hub of innovation in a place that highly values its connection to the outdoors. Specifically, Niclas Bornling has been appointed to general manager of North America and Brian Anthony will be head of sales and merchandising, both working from Portland. Gabriel Ingemarson joins the executive team as chief operating officer in the company’s Stockholm, Sweden headquarters.

Bornling, a seasoned brand and marketing professional with twenty-five years of experience developing world class brands, served as head of brand engagement and DTC sales at Houdini for the past two years. He will continue to build Houdini’s global presence and is set to lead the company’s plans to grow the brand in North America.

“Niclas brings the creative depth and fearlessness that Houdini needs to broaden our reach and share our mission to create functional, timeless apparel that gives back to the planet,” says Eva Karlsson, CEO of Houdini Sportswear. “Our goal is to set a new industry standard for the apparel industry; Niclas has the necessary skills and drive to make that happen. Brian’s proven expertise will be a tremendous asset as we work to drive U.S. sales, nurture retailer relationships and to introduce more consumers to the brand.”

Newly appointed Head of Sales and Merchandising of North America, Brian Anthony previously worked with outdoor brands KEEN and Salomon in addition to founding his own cycling apparel company, ANTHM Collective. He is responsible for strengthening the company’s brand recognition and reputation and driving sales in the U.S.

Andrea Tomasini, recently promoted to head of global wholesale, with over 20 years of experience from Patagonia will be supporting both Anthony and Bornling.

Gabriel Ingemarson, named COO, brings 25 years of experience leading operations at frontrunner companies with strategic planning, negotiations, and financial analysis. Prior to Houdini, Ingemarson worked at Doconomy as CFO and has held additional positions as CFO and acting CEO at Mini Rodini.

About Houdini Sportswear

Houdini is an odd band of friends from Sweden on a quest to reimagine the future of circular sportswear. Ever since the start in 1993 Houdini has challenged the norms of the outdoor industry, as a company led by women, as innovators of sustainable design and as pioneers of circular business models. Ultimately Houdini wants to enable and inspire people to reconnect to nature.

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REI Co-op announced today the addition of Mary-Farrell Tarbox to its retail leadership and corporate officer teams. Tarbox joins REI on October 24 as the company’s vice president, physical stores and retail operations.

“Mary-Farrell is a proven leader in omni-channel operations. Her more than 30 years of leading successful teams across multiple retail environments made her a clear choice,” says Cameron Janes, REI Co-op chief commercial officer. “As REI’s retail presence expands across the nation, she will have a key role in helping the co-op achieve our aspiration to serve a 50-million-member community.”

Tarbox will provide strategic leadership for REI’s nearly 180 physical stores and retail operations team, which account for more than three-quarters of the company’s 16,000+ employee base. She will be accountable to deliver on the co-op’s goals for the retail organization that include advancing the employee experience, customer service and culture of continuous improvement.

“I have always admired REI for its commitment to its employees, members and helping get more people outside. I look forward to being part of a great team that delivers on the co-op’s mission to support the outdoor community,” says Tarbox.

With more than 30 years in the retail industry, Tarbox was most recently a regional vice president at Bed, Bath and Beyond where she oversaw 370 stores. She has also held senior leadership roles in retail and human resources at Crate & Barrel, Petsmart, Inc. and Target Corporation. In her immediate community, she has volunteered with Chicago Cares, Inc. for 20 years and presently serves as an emeritus board member.

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 178 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.

 

Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open a new store in Laguna Hills, California in fall 2023. The location will offer a wide assortment of apparel, gear and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, paddling, climbing, snow sports and more. For those who adventure on two wheels, 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.

“REI first came to the Los Angeles area in 1977 through our original Manhattan Beach location, which  was our fourth store in our history,” said Steve Lochan, REI’s divisional vice president of retail. “Once open, REI Laguna Hills will be our 12^th store in the market to better serve our 1.7 million members and the greater outdoor community who live, work and play in the southern end of Los Angeles.”

Store Facts                 

• Address: Oakbrook Village; 24271 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
• Store Size: Approximately 33,000 square feet
• Special Features: Full-service bike shop and ski and snowboard shop, buy online-pick up in store,  curbside pickup
• REI Co-op Membership:  4.6 million members in California, 1.7 million in the Los Angeles DMA
• Closest REI Stores: Tustin (10 miles away, opened 1982, relocated 2010); Huntington Beach (20 miles away, opened 2005); Manhattan Beach (47 miles away, opened 1977, relocated 1999); Rancho Cucamonga (47 miles away, opened 2004); Santa Monica (60 miles away, opened 2006)
• Current REI Presence in California: 30 stores in state, of which 11 stores are in Los Angeles metro area

As the country’s largest consumer co-op, anyone is welcome to tap into REI’s expertise in support of an active lifestyle. Members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits, including a used gear trade-in program; discounts on experiences, rentals and shop services; a share of the co-op’s annual profits based on qualifying purchases; and more. In addition to discounts at the bike and ski shop, REI co-op members receive unlimited free machine waxes and free flat-tire repair (labor only).

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. Los Angeles-area recipients included California State Parks Foundation, Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association (CORBA), Hike Clerb, Laguna Canyon Foundation, Los Angeles Conservation Corps, ForestWatch, Mount Wilson Bicycling Association, Nature for All, Santa Catalina Island Conservancy, Santa Monica Mountains Fund, and United States Adaptive Recreation Center.  

The co-op launched the REI Cooperative Action Fund last year, a community-supported public charity designed to harness the collective power of the co-op’s members and employees to build a more just, equitable and inclusive outdoor culture. To learn about the California recipients since the Fund’s inception, visit here.

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. Popular day programs are Backcountry Navigation, Backpacking Skills, Crystal Cove Hiking and Yoga,  Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing, and Pacific Coast Kayak Tour. REI’s multiday adventure trips  starting in Los Angeles include Trans-Catalina Island Trek and five backpacking and cycling trips that explore Joshua Tree National Park.

Join the REI team 
REI expects to hire approximately 50 employees for REI Laguna Hills. 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. New 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 “Co-op Way Days” each year that allow them to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity and an additional paid day off on Black Friday to encourage all employees to #OptOutside. 

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 178 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.