REI will stop selling bicycles from Scott Sports after a decade-long partnership as the two companies' strategies diverge.
 
“On behalf of REI and Scott Sports, I am reaching out to share that we have decided to part ways after a successful 10-year partnership,” REI's Manager of Communications and Public Affairs Bethany Hawley  wrote in a statement released to media this week. “Beginning with model year 2016, Scott bicycles will no longer be sold through REI because both organizations have changed strategies.”.
 
“REI is personalizing its bike assortment to each of its regions and simplifying its brand portfolio to create deeper knowledge among its employees. Scott is shifting fully to high-end independent bike dealers who are positioned to grow the brand. We both remain committed to growing the cycling market, and offering great service and technology to cyclists across the country.”
 
REI began has carried Scott bicycles since 2006. The brand went on to displace K2 as the most prevalent independent bicycle brand at REI stores, peaking at 55 locations.

REI continues to partner with Scott Sports in  snow sports.

Though founded in Sun Valley, ID in the 1960s, Scott is now based in Switzerland. While Scott USA is headquartered in Ketchum, ID, the company's distribution and fulfillment center is in Ogden, UT.

The breakup follows REI's expanding partnership with Accell North America (ANA), the U.S. arm of Europe's largest bicycle company. Since ANA moved its headquarters REI's home town of Kent, WA, in 2012, the two companies have steadily expanded their partnership. REI sells Accell's Diamondback bikes at many of its stores as well as e-bikes made by Accell's Currie Technologies subsidiary.

Last fall, REI announced it would become the exclusive U.S. dealer of Ghost mountain bikes, which are made in Germany by an Accell owned company. The deal marked the first time REI had agreed to carry a bike brand other than its own Novara brand at all of its stores, which now number nearly 140 in 33 states. It also enabled REI to reach beyond the $3,000 price point it has traditionally served.