REI promoted Rachel Ligtenberg to VP of Retail following a 25-year tenure with the co-op, which adds Retail Operations to her current responsibilities of leading Store Design, Visual Merchandising and the co-op’s flagship strategy. She continues to report to Tim Spangler, senior VP of Retail.
Ligtenberg will continue to enhance REI’s retail experience through new store design concepts to showcase its products, services and educational programs. The co-op currently operates 141 stores in 33 states, including four flagship locations in Seattle, Denver, Bloomington, Minn. and New York. REI’s fifth flagship location will open in the historic Uline Arena in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2016.
“Rachel is an inspiring leader and advocate for change, always pushing REI and our employees to connect with our members in richer ways,” said Jerry Stritzke, REI president and CEO. “She leads by collaborating with her teams, and has the expertise and passion to help the co-op create engaging in-store experiences.”
Ligtenberg joined the co-op after college as a sales associate in the Sacramento store. During her time at REI, she has impacted many parts of the business by leading marketing, merchandising and retail teams. She served as GM of the Seattle flagship store for seven years before becoming director of Visual Merchandising and later regional VP of Retail.
Extending her reach beyond the co-op, Ligtenberg has volunteered for nonprofit boards and organizations focused on the outdoors, education and youth, including Camp Fire and Passages Northwest. Committed to helping advance women’s leadership in the outdoor industry, she is an active member of the Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition, serving in her second year as a mentor.
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 5.5 million active members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips. REI has 141 stores in 33 states.
