REI Co-op continues commitment to sustainability by hosting 11 used gear swaps across the country on Oct. 27

SEATTLE, Oct. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its 80-year commitment to sustainability, REI Co-op is hosting used gear swaps in 11 stores across the country on Oct. 27. REI members are invited to bring their gently used items to swap with other people who love the outdoors. Last year, REI hosted used gear swaps in six locations, and is expanding the effort to include more markets this year.

"Our commitment to used gear is part of our broader effort to offer affordable, sustainable gear to our customers," said Peter Whitcomb, REI director of new business development. "Swapping gear is a fun way for our members to connect, get the gear they need, and sell or trade what they no longer use – all while helping to keep products out of the landfill."

The events are free and open to REI members and one guest. Individuals looking to sell gear do not need to be an REI member, but are asked to pay a $20 fee for table space. Event proceeds will be donated to a local outdoor nonprofit in each city. Learn more here.

In an effort to keep gently used gear out of landfills, the co-op has sold lightly used product (returned under its 100 percent satisfaction guarantee policy) for years at in-store Garage Sales. REI also launched a used gear website in October 2017, and in August, extended the online platform to offer new brands and more product categories. Used gear swaps are a continuation of this effort. While REI will not be selling any products onsite, the co-op is providing a platform for the outdoor community to sell and trade their pre-loved items to one another.

REI is committed to providing customers with quality outdoor gear, made sustainably and designed to last. In April, REI unveiled a set of comprehensive product sustainability standards, ensuring new products purchased at REI have a lower environmental and social footprint. The co-op also outlined a set of preferred sustainability attributes to highlight for customers products with leading sustainability features like bluesign, Fair Trade Certified and responsibly sourced down. Learn more about REI's broader sustainability efforts at REI.com/stewardship.

Used gear swap locations – events begin at 10 a.m. local time:

• Arcadia, California
• Bloomington, Minnesota
• Chandler, Arizona
• Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Columbia, Maryland
• Greenwood Village, Colorado
• Madison, Wisconsin
• San Diego, California
• Saratoga, California
• Tualatin, Oregon
• West Hartford, Connecticut

More ways to find used and sustainably produced gear:

• Visit REI.com/used to shop gently loved gear and apparel.
• Sort and filter products by sustainability feature at REI.com, including bluesign, Fair Trade Certified and responsibly sourced down.
• Attend an in-person, members-only Garage Sale at REI stores.
• Shop The Renewal Workshop online or at REI Seattle. The Renewal Workshop takes discarded textiles and apparel and turns them into new garments.

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 17 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 153 stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia. If you can't visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the free REI shopping app. REI isn't just about gear. You can take the trip of a lifetime with REI Adventures, a global leader in active adventure travel that runs more than 170 custom-designed itineraries worldwide. The REI Outdoor School is run by professionally-trained, expert-instructors who teach beginner-to advanced-level courses 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.

SOURCE REI Co-op