To help more people enjoy outdoor activities and try new gear, REI says is will continue to expand its rental program with new products and additional locations throughout 2019. Starting this month, for instance, outdoor enthusiasts from kids to adults can rent snowshoes in 70 REI stores around the country.
Most gear available to rent can also be purchased in-store or at REI.com, so customers can try before purchasing or upgrading.
“At REI we believe in the transformative power of spending time outdoors,” says Peter Whitcomb, director of new business development and head of REI’s rental program. “Factors such as price and storage space can be barriers to getting outdoors. Offering rental gear makes it that much easier for people to learn a new hobby, check out new gear, connect with friends, and get outside.”
After each season, gently used rental equipment will be sold through REI’s used gear program local garage sales so that REI members have the option to purchase affordable, pre-owned gear.
“We’re rethinking how we provide high quality gear at lower prices to our customers, particularly as their behaviors and expectations change. Our expansion into snowshoe rentals and used gear is one of the key ways we’re evolving our business model to connect more people to the outdoors,” says Whitcomb.
