The annual REI 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 – Action Sports, Outdoorwear , and Camping/Travel – nominated 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. Award winners are announced at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.

Nominees for 2003 are in Action Sports – Black Diamond, The North Face, Prana, Rossignol, Thule; in Outdoorwear – Marmot, Merrell, The North Face, Red Wing (Vasque), Royal Robbins; and in Camping/Travel – Black Diamond, GSI, Nalge Nunc, National Geographic Maps, Victorinox Luggage by TRG.