REI Names Brad Brown to Lead Web Strategy

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, has appointed Brad Brown vice president of E-Commerce and Web Strategies. Brown will lead the development of the next generation of REI.com as the site approaches its 10-year anniversary.

Brown has been REI’s vice president of Information Services since 1998. Previous to joining REI, Brown acquired more than 20 years of retailing experience with the Bon Marché, Pay ‘n Save, Egghead Software and QFC. He has a master’s degree in business administration from Seattle University.

“How can we create a richer online experience?” Brown asked. “We will discover better ways for customers to access information about gear and how they can do more cycling, hiking, climbing, camping and kayaking. I want REI.com to be the place that people think of first when they think of the outdoors.”

REI.com was launched in September 1996. Today, the site offers 45,000 products and thousands of pages of information about gear and outdoor activities.

Recently REI.com has improved search technology, introduced an RSS (Real Simple Syndication) service for REI-OUTLET.com and 360-degree views for selected tents. Within the last three years, the cooperative has focused on multi-channel services, introducing such services as REI Store Pickup and the REI Gift Registry. The response to REI Store Pickup has been significant; currently more than 50 percent of all online orders are delivered to stores for customer pickup.

REI is an outdoor retail cooperative dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its 2.8 million active members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI operates retail stores nationwide, two online stores – REI.com and REI-OUTLET.com – the REI Outdoor School and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures.

REI offers products from all of the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, hiking, outdoor fitness, paddling, snow sports and travel, including its own line of award-winning gear and apparel. While anyone may join or shop at REI, members pay a one-time $15 fee and receive a share in the company’s profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. As an active supporter of the communities in which it does business, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.