REI Co-op announced the expansion of its recommerce business by piloting two used-gear pop-up shops to its trade-in program.
The Co-op launched its online recommerce business in 2018 and supplemented its members-only Garage Sale events in REI stores. Despite a challenging retail environment due to COVID-19, REI’s online business is up nearly 100 percent compared to last year, in part due to millennial shoppers who prioritize renting or purchasing used gear over buying new.
“Our recommerce business continues to exceed our expectations,” said Ken Voeller, REI manager of new business development and recommerce. “We see many benefits to expanding this business. First, as an opportunity to introduce our members to more outdoor activities through lower-priced products. Also, having a robust used gear business helps reduce the Co-op’s overall impact on the environment as we work to achieve our climate and zero waste objectives.”
Beginning this month, REI customers can trade in their used gear through its online, members-only trade-in program in exchange for REI gift card credit. The Co-op is offering up to 50 percent of the resale value for most items.
REI is also testing a new retail format with a pilot of two standalone used gear pop-up stores to continue driving growth of its resale business. The pop-ups are located near Manhattan Beach, CA and Conshohocken, PA.
Photo courtesy REI
