Headlines

REI Backtracks

Outdoors retailer forgoes Asia for home

Published

23 years ago

June 20, 2001

admin1

Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI, Seattle) has announced the shuttering of its lone store in Japan as part of a strategy to concentrate on its U.S. operations.

The Tokyo store will close its doors by year's end, due to what the outdoor equipment retailer saw as waning interests in outdoor gear, increasingly cautious spending habits, a location too far from central Tokyo and recurring financial losses. “REI Japan succeeded in all ways except financial performance,” said ceo Dennis Madsen. “The shopping experience was exceptional, the staff fantastic and we created a new style of retailing in Japan.” Madsen emphasized that, by cutting the Tokyo losses, REI can further develop U.S. retail stores and web sites, emphasizing improved profitability and customer service.

REI operates 61 retail stores in the U.S. Each year, a portion of profits go to conservation and recreation causes.

MasterClass: ‘Re-Sparkling’ Retail: Using Store Design to Build Trust, Faith and Brand Loyalty

HOW CAN WE EMPOWER and inspire senior leaders to see design as an investment for future retail growth? This session, led by retail design expert Ian Johnston from Quinine Design, explores how physical stores remain unmatched in the ability to build trust, faith, and loyalty with your customers, ultimately driving shareholder value.

Presented by:
Ian Johnston
Founder and Creative Director, Quinine Design