Add REI to the List of Companies to Boycott

[MosesTheTank]

REI has now joined the attack on civil liberties:

"REI and Mountain Equipment Co-op, two outdoor retail chains that are also customer cooperatives, said Thursday they were suspending orders for popular items like Bell bicycle helmets and CamelBak water bottles from the company that owns the brands, Vista Outdoor, because Vista also makes assault-style rifles."

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/02/...latedCoverage®ion=EndOfArticle&pgtype=article

https://vistaoutdoor.com/brands/

 

[Veer_G]

Oh, teh noes, where will I ever buy my splendiferously faggy North Face shit now?

 

[Rthur]

Well shit, I had a decent list that might have come from there.
Back country gear is pricey.
I need to check Blackovis's stance.

R

 

[Tree]

Big retails pushing people to small shops. Never shopped there anyways. Too damn expensive.

 

[Diver160651]

A few of us not spending $$ will be lost in the noise... All these companies know that... They also know than many will say one thing and do another, further reducing the numbers.

Unfortunately, short of a huge organized letter and social media campaign, we will not be heard by them.

 

[velvetant]

The wife and I are going to REI today and fill up several shopping carts with very expensive goodies. After they ring us up I'll whip out the NRA card and tell them to fuck off...roflmao

 

[DuneBoer]

I went there once about 10 years ago. The patchouli mixed with BO was enough to make me boycott them. That along with the Made in China tag on everything. Try to find a goose down coat made in USA these days.

 

[missed]

I don't normally buy from them, really won't now! I didn't realize that Vista had such a big umbrella of companies.

 

[Supersubes]

Despite the expense, they have a really nice return policy. I’ve purchased a lot from them, but this is getting out of hand. Fuck them!

 

[powdahound76]

DunBoer, Feathered Friends or Western Mountaineering are the only 2 I know of with a US made down coat.

Also fellas, check out Voormi. Made in CO from wool grown in CO. I got one of their hoodies for Christmas thanks to my wonderful lady and couldn't be more impressed.

and yeah, done with REI. Never bought much there anyways, now it will be nothing.

 

[MosesTheTank]

A few of us not spending $$ will be lost in the noise... All these companies know that... They also know than many will say one thing and do another, further reducing the numbers.

Unfortunately, short of a huge organized letter and social media campaign, we will not be heard by them.

That is a good point. I do think at least a few people are speaking with their wallets, however. Though it may not last long. My two anecdotal examples are from today. First is one of my neighbors is a Delta higher up and he said bookings showed an unexpected drop this week. Not large, but unexpected. He is disgusted by the whole affair. Second is I just returned from my LGS. I was so pissed I was going to buy every MSR they had in stock. Turned out they have none on hand as their AR volume has been more than 5x normal. I looked around and the AR section was almost bare. So I had him check his distributors and they had none. While he was checking things I called a store a bit further away and they were also very low on ARs and had sold all MSRs. All we could find anywhere were three MSR10 Hunters. So I had him put me on a wait list. He did mention that many buyers this week were first timers. Interesting.

But of course I can't leave empty handed so I said I'd take a Spikes lower. They were out of those and they usually have a huge stack of them. They were out of every brand of lower except Anderson and Zev. So I got a Zev. And a SIG Romeo. They were out of the Spikes enhanced LPKs too, so hello Joe Bob Outfitters. And since Blazer is a Vista Outdoor brand and Midway has Blazer 22 on sale I bought more than I am willing to write down. Good stuff for steel matches and plinking.

This is the beginning of my REI Commemorative AR. I'm not sure what it will look like in the end but I do intend to pay homage to REI stereotypes. Maybe I can scent it with patchouli and BO to make snowflakes more at ease, and lubricate it with Dr Bronners. Sunflowers or daffodils in cerakote would be nice. In any event they will know about it.

 

[ArmyJerry]

THEY DO AND THEIR GEAR IS AWESOME light, great for motorcycle camping, I just spent 1500 there a few months ago lightening up my camping kit to carry on bike. Wont spend another dime there and will shut down account.

Despite the expense, they have a really nice return policy. I’ve purchased a lot from them, but this is getting out of hand. Fuck them!

 

[MosesTheTank]

Despite the expense, they have a really nice return policy. I’ve purchased a lot from them, but this is getting out of hand. Fuck them!

Their return policy is the reason I became a member way back when. Then it changed in 2016. I could no longer justify the price or tolerate ignorant sales people, and was all the more reason to buy from a local shop.

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/rei-now-limiting-returns-to-one-year/

 

[Rthur]

A few of us not spending $$ will be lost in the noise... All these companies know that... They also know than many will say one thing and do another, further reducing the numbers.

Unfortunately, short of a huge organized letter and social media campaign, we will not be heard by them.

Maybe, I'll bet Target thought that as well.
I'm waiting to see how things play out.

R

 

[QuickNDirty]

Damn, never been in an REI either. Do they have those in Texas too?

 

[ArmyJerry]

yes over here in houston, really good compact gear, but no gun stuff at all.

 

[pmclaine]

Not a question but a statement.

I understand you are severing ties with Vista products due to a heinous event committed outside their control.

Vista is a product manufacturer they have no control over how a consumer uses their product.

REI sells Ice axes, I know I bought one from you. I am responsible with tools that can be used in an unlawful manner but if someone causes another person harm with an ice ax should REI be accountable?

Ive been a member for ten or more years. I am re-evaluating the relationship as I can not support a company that uses the convuluted logic you do.

I will be paying off my REI credit card and finalizing pending purchases than cancel my membership and conduct future purchases elsewhere.

In the future when I here of some idiot abusing an item likely to have been held in inventory by REI I will hold your company personally responsible for their actions.

Sincerely,

Phil McLaine
Member number


Shame I did enjoy the member dividend and probably spent close to a $1K in there yearly.

Ill CC Vista my email.

 

[pmclaine]

So who has a good credit card that will give me something back.

Between my purchases and the dividend my card was good for A $300 shopping trip at REI every summer.

A Brownells card that returned a percentage on purchases would be ideal.

 

[pmclaine]

And anyone that want to use my message as a template feel free.

 

[DOA]

Closed my REI CC account today

 

[powdahound76]

Moses, dont bash Dr Bronners. Its great for dishes and washing your dirty butt when it gets so bad your tent mate bans you on a long backpacking trip. Really, I have been there....... sleeping outside in skeeter country in AK is a no go!

I haven't had an REI CC since the BOA BS with McMillian a few years back. My family all cancelled them.

I do get your sentiments though.
I thought about going and grabbing 2-3 lowers. I don't even really like ARs and don't shoot the ones I have. Its a principal thing at this point.

In Denver its a tough with a lot of raging lefty nutjobs, and I am not talking the run of the mill, follow along with what the MSM and Facebook says libs. There are also a lot of middle of the road folks who just don't know what to think or support.
I have heard people say they support some kind of change ( I do to, like the FBI and police following up on tips that a kid is off hinged and likely to be violent) that I truly believe these folks just don't understand what the 2A is really about. I keep my cool and educate them. I also let them know I support their right to free speech and different ideas just as fiercely as I do the 2A. I also don't support knee jerk reaction and banning of something due to asinine and deadly use by a few.

If we did that we would ban cars, alcohol, TV, video games, all sugar, all pain medications and the list goes on.

 

[jrassy]

Long time REI member, never cared for the rainbow colored clothes anyway. I do like the light weight gear and return policy. Fuck it more money will be spent at Cabelas, so all we got to do is ask Cabelas to add, whatever shit to their inventory, and I get 2% back on purchases there. Although REI just started with the upgraded card to 2% back on purchases.fuck em , I'm done.

 

[ArmyJerry]

just deleted my account and sent note

 

[Arc Light]

Well damn, thanks for letting me know. I was about to join their "co-op" for the savings, even though it sounds like some leftist hippie bullshit.

Hippie fucks can save the planet without my money. I'm sticking to Cabelas and some local mom & pop shops.

 

[Friar]

I just called their 800 number and cancelled my membership. Had been a dividend receiving member since 2004. They asked why, and as soon as I said "Vista Outdoor"she knew exactly what was going on.

I hope my call is one of many they get.

 

[armorpl8chikn]

I bought some Rite in Rain paper for my home spun dope books last week from REI....wish I had just ordered it from Walmart....oh wait, they are fucktards too.

I'm running out of places to buy stuff.

 

[BoilerUP]

I drove past a Dick's Sporting Goods 10 minutes from my house to get to Academy Sports today, 30 minutes away,...to buy $30 baseball cleats for my seven year old.

Will it hurt ole DSG? Nah, but principles still matter to some of us.

As for REI...I really wish Vista Outoors would issue a statement that says "We weren't going to issue a statement because we didn't have anything to do with the horrific tragedy in Parkland, FL...but since REI has threatened to boycott our brands since we didn't, we are now compelled to offer the following statement:

REI can go fuck themselves.

Customers interested in our leading outdoor brands can purchase them from Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops."

 

[Arc Light]

Just sent the scumbags an email explaining why I will never set foot in their stores.

The NRA needs to keep an updated list of these cowardly, opportunistic, short sighted companies for all gun owners to easily reference. They will only understand one thing, lost sales and pissed off stock holders.

 

[DuneBoer]

DunBoer, Feathered Friends or Western Mountaineering are the only 2 I know of with a US made down coat.

Also fellas, check out Voormi. Made in CO from wool grown in CO. I got one of their hoodies for Christmas thanks to my wonderful lady and couldn't be more impressed.

and yeah, done with REI. Never bought much there anyways, now it will be nothing.

Wow! just went to those sites. Nice gear, spendy but looks to be well made. Best of all.....MADE IN THE USA!!!! I'm worth it though. No more Chinese chicken feather coats for me!

 

[thejeep]

Return every item. Im staying and im returning even more!

 

[D. Hargrove]

These corporations simply think "Time will heal all wounds" and they really have nothing to worry about. Pompus clowns need an enima!!

 

[jrassy]

They picked a side, fuck em

 

[RNWRKNP]

yes over here in houston, really good compact gear, but no gun stuff at all.

Exactly where I “used to go” for the exact same reason only for a hunting quad. Won’t go back now though.

 

[Schroedernd]

Krogers, Walmart, and Dicks have all done the same with the no more AR’s and 21 years old to purchase anything. Now REI is cutting ties because of a brand name. The little town i live in has all 4 of these places. Short of starting a farm and raising animals to butcher and crops to grow, two of these are the only places we can get groceries!

 

[ArmyJerry]

you roll over so easy , giving in is easy aint it.

 

[Spooky68]

I bought some Rite in Rain paper for my home spun dope books last week from REI....wish I had just ordered it from Walmart....oh wait, they are fucktards too.

I'm running out of places to buy stuff.

This is what I am afraid of....

 

[pmclaine]

Buy some shit from these guys....

https://www.gruntstyle.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2-fagO7S2QIVFp7ACh3QWAysEAAYASAAEgJ6DvD_BwE

Pretty good commercial..



and this.....

 

[MosesTheTank]

This is what I am afraid of....

You can buy directly from Write in the Rain. They have some targets I'll be ordering. All but one of my data books are from Impact and use Rite in the Rain paper.

https://www.riteintherain.com/targets

As for Dr Bronners I didn't mean to knock the product, just chunks of the culture that use it as a fashion accessory, and have had some in my possession consistently for a good 20 years. There are plenty of other retailers who carry it. I can't recommend any one in particular, or some of the competing castille soap products on the market, as I haven't researched them just yet.

 

[Rthur]

I bought some Rite in Rain paper for my home spun dope books last week from REI....wish I had just ordered it from Walmart....oh wait, they are fucktards too.

I'm running out of places to buy stuff.

Get it here:
https://www.grainger.com/category/office-supplies/ecatalog/N-jkvZ1z0qaci

R

 

[jrassy]

Buy some shit from these guys....

https://www.gruntstyle.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2-fagO7S2QIVFp7ACh3QWAysEAAYASAAEgJ6DvD_BwE

Pretty good commercial..



and this.....

I just picked up a tshirt for St Pattys day which I had been looking for from these guys, thanks for heads up

 

[SuckitTrebek]

Despite the expense, they have a really nice return policy. I’ve purchased a lot from them, but this is getting out of hand. Fuck them!

They have a kick ass return policy. Nothing like buying a great coat and returning it......every fucking winter.
So who really wins? I do.

And unlike most I could give a rats ass what their politics are.
If I cared about the politics of everything I bought I probably wouldn't have half the shit I do. Like the rest of you.


Just bought a glock 19 gen 5. Don't give a shit about what anyone at that company thinks either.

 

[pmclaine]

Response from REI....

Hello Phillip,

Thanks for emailing the co-op, and your feedback regarding Vista Outdoor.

Please read REI's statement on our newsroom at https://newsroom.rei.com/company-in...tement-on-relationship-with-vista-outdoor.htm

Best,

Karen
REI Membership Services

www.rei.com / www.rei-outlet.com
PO Box 1938, Sumner, WA 98390-0800
Phone: 800-426-4840
Fax: 253-891-2648
Click Here To Email REI.
http://www.rei.com/help/feedback/feedback.html#_4


Reply to REI

I pulled this from your statement....



This morning we learned that Vista does not plan to make a public statement that outlines a clear plan of action. As a result, we have decided to place a hold on future orders of products that Vista sells through REI while we assess how Vista proceeds.



So until REI makes a statement regarding any incident where a person in need of mental health care misuses one of the products you carry in inventory I have to assume you support the misuse of your products.

If you do not want Vista as a partner because they own a subsidiary that manufacturers a lawful product, than you do not want me as a customer that owns an example of that product.

I will proceed with the closing of my account and can easily replace my vendor of camp gear elsewhere. I really enjoyed the relationship and promoted your business but I will not allow you to consider me somehow responsible for the acts of others because I support the US Constitution and ownership of property for lawful purposes.

 

[Rthur]

They have a kick ass return policy. Nothing like buying a great coat and returning it......every fucking winter.
So who really wins? I do.

And unlike most I could give a rats ass what their politics are.
If I cared about the politics of everything I bought I probably wouldn't have half the shit I do. Like the rest of you.


Just bought a glock 19 gen 5. Don't give a shit about what anyone at that company thinks either.

So you like to finance the goals of your enemies.
You know, the ones that would rid you of your new Glock.

R

 

[Veer_G]

So you like to finance the goals of your enemies.
You know, the ones that would rid you of your new Glock.

R

I'm just sitting here thinking about what sort of POS would even contemplate returning a coat that they had owned for 11 months.

 

[pmclaine]

Hello Phillip,

Thank you for your email.

Please advise us if you want us to discontinue your REI membership.

Thank you for your patience,

REI Membership Services

www.rei.com
PO Box 1938, Sumner, WA 98390-0800
Phone: 800-426-4840
Fax: 253-891-2523
Click Here to Email REI.
http://www.rei.com/helpContacts#email_tab


Reply

Yes please.

Im not who you want for a customer - college grad, USMC, State Law Enforcement, Supporter of Constitution - unwelcome at REI.




Ties severed....

Hello Phillip,

Thanks for emailing the co-op, and your feedback regarding Vista Outdoor.

We have discontinued your membership per your request.

Best,

Karen
REI Membership Services

www.rei.com / www.rei-outlet.com
PO Box 1938, Sumner, WA 98390-0800
Phone: 800-426-4840
Fax: 253-891-2648
Click Here To Email REI.

 

[pmclaine]

You know what I think would be good.....

Start sending email daily and asking "Im looking for a Giro bike helmet do you carry that line?" or Blackburn bike rack/bag or Camelback product.........

and when they say "No" just reply "No problem Ill spend my money somewhere that does."

 

[Threadcutter308]

I'm just sitting here thinking about what sort of POS would even contemplate returning a coat that they had owned for 11 months.

That's easy. Allow me to share some of my local geographical/societal knowledge;

A Seattle snowflake. Quite common, particularly at the local REI's.

 

[ArmyJerry]

I got a similar response

 

[hlee]

Gun owners are not the core clientele of REI, so they really don't give a fuck. But, if you are looking for REI performance at cabelas or bass pro, you will be disappointed. Not that their gear is poor quality, but the performance to weight ratio heavily favors the offerings for on REI. Cabelas stuff is great for low exertion winter activities. But, they're not really geared toward through-hiking or ounce counting. That said, you can get everything REI sells somewhere else, generally less expensively, and at least without knowing the political stance of the corporation...

 

[pmclaine]

Agreed REI has better gear than the enthusiast stores but REI makes no gear, save for some shitty clothes sourced in Vietnam with their name embroidered on.

Ill buy MSR snowshoes elsewhere, or bike gear at another local place, Merrels can be found in myriad places. It just wont be a one stop shop with a dividend in June.

Here is an example of a site with gear that blows REIs average tent offering away....

http://www.litefighter.com/product/litefighter-1-shelter-system/

I picked up one of those one man tents here on the Hide, awesome gear. Wish I had one when I was motorcycling.