REI named Mountain Hardwear Inc. as its 2008 Vendor Partner of the Year Award in REI’s Outdoorwear division. Mountain Hardwear previously received the award in 2007.


The prestigious award has been given annually since 1993. It is awarded to REI’s top vendors selected from among approximately 2,500 companies which supply product in recognition of a combination of several measures, including financial performance, community and industry involvement, sustainability, product quality, and retail support among others. Out of fifteen finalists, Mountain Hardwear and three other companies were awarded Vendor Partner of the Year Awards.

Candyce Johnson, Outdoor Division Buyer for REI presented the award at the Outdoor Retailer Show Winter Market in Salt Lake City. 


“Mountain Hardwear is a company that listened. We put out the call for better women’s product. The company responded with styles that really perform. Women’s product is responsible for much of our increase in business this year and I can credit Mountain Hardwear, in part, for that,” She said.

Mountain Hardwear has been a supplier to REI since 1999 and this is the fourth time the company has been nominated for the award. “We are thrilled to be recognized in this way by one of our top customers,” said Mountain Hardwear President Mike Wallenfels. “This nomination recognizes the efforts that all of our employees have put into supporting our brand through the REI stores.”