SALT LAKE CITY – Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, announced its 2008 Vendor Partner-of-the-Year awards at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market trade show, including the selection of Osprey Packs as winner of the camp/travel division. Osprey Packs is based in Cortez, Colo.
“REI is privileged to work with some of the top companies in the retail industry today, leaders in product quality and innovation, outdoor stewardship and financial performance,” said Angela Owen, REI’s vice president of merchandising. “It is our pleasure to recognize our standout industry partners in this special way.”
The annual awards program, established in 1993, recognizes three key vendors and one overall vendor partner of the year for efforts that have built a strategic and successful relationship with REI. The co-op’s three merchandising divisions – camp/travel, action sports and outdoorwear – nominate companies based on several measures, including performance, community and industry involvement and product quality, among others. In addition, REI retail employees vote from the slate of nominees to help determine the winners.
From its humble beginnings building custom backpacks and sleeping bags in Santa Cruz California, to its current recognition as an industry leader, Osprey has always flown its own course. Their mission is to create innovative high performance gear that reflects a love of adventure and a devotion to the outdoors and the environment. Osprey defines success when it meets the demanding expectation of its most discerning customers. Based in Cortez, Colorado, Osprey has over 35 years of pack-making experience.
The overall 2008 REI Vendor Partner-of-the-Year winner is Petaluma, Calif.-based CamelBak Products, LLC. The other 2008 vendor divisional award winners are:
• Outdoorwear Winner: Outdoor Research (Seattle)
• Action Sports Winner: Pearl Izumi (Louisville, Colo.)
Other vendor partner award nominees included Arbor, Arc’Teryx, Big Agnes, Black Diamond, Mountain Hardwear, Ortlieb, Planet Bike, PROBAR, SmartWool, Smith Optics and Teva.
About REI
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI operates retail stores nationwide, two online stores – http://www.rei.com and http://www.REI-OUTLET.com – and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. REI offers products from all of the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel, including its own line of award-winning outdoor gear and apparel. While anyone may join or shop at REI, members pay a one-time $20 fee and receive a share in the company’s profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. As an active supporter of the communities in which it does business, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.