REI named Vibram USA its 2010 Vendor Partner of the Year during the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market trade show, largely in recognition of its  Vibram FiveFingers line of minimalist footwear.


The annual awards program, established in 1993, recognizes three of its key vendors for divisional awards and one vendor as its overall “Vendor Partner of the Year.” Companies are nominated by the co-op’s three merchandising divisions – camp/travel, actionsports and outdoorwear, for their efforts to build a strategic and successful relationship with REI focused on meeting member and customer needs, and for efforts to bring quality, innovation, outdoor stewardship and performance to the industry. REI retail employees vote on the slate of nominees to determine winners.


“It is no surprise that Vibram was selected as the 2010 Vendor Partner of the Year. Not only were they innovative in introducing a brand new type of product to the industry in FiveFingers, but they have been credited for creating a new way for people to recreate,” said Angela Owen, vice president Merchandising. “Vibram stands out for its commitment to our partnership and has continued to prioritize REI to meet growing customer interest for its product for the past several years.”


The other 2010 divisional vendor partner award winners are:



  • Camp/Travel Winner: Osprey Packs (Cortez, CO) 

  • Action Sports Winner: Yakima Products, Inc. (Beaverton, OR) 

  • Outdoorwear Winner: Merrell (Rockford, MI)  
     

Other valued vendor partners also nominated for the 2010 awards included: Arbor Collective, Big Agnes, Chariot Carriers, Emotion Kayaks, Marmot, Patagonia, Pearl Izumi USA, Prana, Smartwool, Smith Optics, and Adventure Medical Kits.


Past recipients of the REI Vendor Partner of the Year Award include Atlas Snowshoe (1999), Black Diamond Equipment (1994, 2006), Bell Sports (1997), CamelBak Products, LLC (2008), Cascade Designs (2001), Columbia Sportswear (1998), Eagle Creek (2000, 2005), Keen Footwear (2004), Osprey (2007), prAna (2003), Smith Optics (2002, 2009), Vasque (1995, 1996), and Yakima (1993).