Recreational Equipment, Inc. has announced its 2003 Vendor Partnership Awards, including the selection of prAna as REI’s Vendor Partner of the Year.

“REI is fortunate to work with the best companies in the outdoor industry,” said Matt Hyde, REI’s Senior Vice President of Merchandising. “Strong partnerships are key to REI’s success, and these winners set a leading example. prAna had the vision to pioneer a yoga apparel and accessories category that has proven to be a great benefit to REI customers. Their ability to respond to the unbelievable demand we experienced this year has been nothing short of remarkable.”

The annual awards program recognizes three key vendors and one overall Vendor Partner of the Year for efforts that have built a strategic and successful relationship with REI. REI's three merchandising divisions – Camping/Travel, Action Sports and Outdoorwear – nominate companies based on several measures, including financial performance, community and industry involvement and product quality, among others. The nominees are reviewed by REI’s retail stores, and the stores then determine the final award recipients.

The top 2003 vote recipient is prAna, earning the REI Vendor Partner of the Year Award. Based in Vista, California, prAna is entering its 12th year of business. The company has worked to establish itself as a leader in both the climbing and yoga communities. Commitment to design, product integrity and a compelling marketing campaign are essential to the brand's steady growth and success. The other 2003 REI Vendor Partnership Award winners are:

  • Camping/Travel Division Winner: National Geographic Maps (Evergreen, Colo.) is a world cartographic leader and has received every top industry award for its diverse mapping products. In addition to creating maps for the National Geographic organization, National Geographic Maps also has a complete line of retail products.
  • Action Sports Division Winner: Rossignol (based in France with offices in Williston, Vt., and Clearfield, Utah) offers quality, performance products for all aspects of snowsports, including alpine, snowboard and Nordic.

  • Outdoorwear Division Winner: Marmot (Santa Rosa, Calif.) is an employee-owned company founded in Colorado in 1974. It endeavors to provide outdoor clothing and equipment that is authentic, innovative and best in class.

Other nominees included Black Diamond, GSI, Merrell, Nalge Nunc, The North Face, Red Wing (Vasque), Royal Robbins, Thule and Victorinox Luggage by TRG.