Recreational Equipment, Inc has awarded its national creative advertising and media buying accounts to BBDO Atlanta and Prometheus Media Services respectively. The company completed its nearly two-month closed agency review process earlier this week. The selected agencies will support REI’s traditional advertising programs of radio, newspaper outdoor, as well as digital/interactive programs that complement the company’s online marketing efforts.

BBDO Atlanta will provide strategic planning, creative and implementation of advertising programs and Prometheus will service the company’s media planning and buying requirements.

“BBDO and Prometheus have an authentic passion for the outdoors and REI's brand,” said Tom Vogl, REI’s vice president of Marketing. “The agencies will be valued partners as we work to grow our business and increase participation levels in outdoor recreation. The teams demonstrated their deep capabilities and successful track records for their retail clients through integrated media and creative campaigns.”

“We have an opportunity to make magic,” said Chris Hall, president and CEO, BBDO Atlanta. “REI’s passion and enthusiasm for the outdoor market, Prometheus' accountable media and BBDO’s ‘TotalWork’ integrated approach to retail business should be a powerful combination to help drive REI to the next level.”

“We're thrilled to be working with one of the top outdoor brands,” said Robert Habeck, managing director, US, Prometheus Media. “We look forward to combining our media expertise with REI’s superior product offerings to really reach and engage outdoor enthusiasts.”

Creative efforts resulting from the work of BBDO and Prometheus will first appear with REI’s spring campaign, launching late March 2008.