In a sign of the growing importance of running to REI, the specialty retailer honored Brooks as its Vendor Partner of the Year award for 2012 at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market last week.



Thule was honored as vendor of the year by REIs action sports division, Osprey Packs by the camp/travel division and Prana by its outdoorwear division.


 

Brooks has consistently been a valuable partner in helping strengthen our position as a leader in fitness footwear, says Lee Fromson, senior vice president REI merchandising. Aside from providing ongoing program support and aligning with REIs mission, theyve brought our customers new ways to experience lightweight running and new products they love.

In 2011, Brooks launched its PureProject collection of lightweight running shoes at REI. The next evolution of the collection places increased emphasis on fit with an all new upper that wraps the foot, delivering a customized feel, while allowing the foot to move more naturally.



REI established the awards program in 1993. Each year, companies are nominated by the co-ops three merchandising divisions for their efforts to build a strategic and successful relationship focused on meeting member and customer needs, and bring quality, innovation, outdoor stewardship and performance to the industry. REI retail employees vote on the slate of nominees.


It marked the third year a footwear vendor won REIs top honor. Past winners of REIs top vendor award include Vibram USA in 2012 and 2011, Smith Optics in 2010 and Camelbak in 2009.