Store Department Manager
About the job
- Three or more years of successful retail management experience is preferred.
- Communicate and build relationships inside and outside the organization.
- Be open to feedback and other viewpoints in support of the business.
- Use business understanding, innovative thinking, and sound judgment to solve problems.
- Combine information from various sources to make solid recommendations.
- Set effective goals and establish priorities to produce quality work.
- Organize and use resources to meet deadlines and keep others informed about plans and progress.
- Engage and influence others to accomplish organizational goals.
- Plan, identify, communicate, and delegate responsibilities to the team.
- Handle training, coaching, recognition, and performance management.
- Direct execution of core standards and overall visual direction.
- Drive sales through all channels by maximizing selling behaviors.
- Make business adaptations to increase sales and service.
- Communicate key company strategies and changes to teams as needed.
- Recruit and develop diverse talent from within and outside the organization.
- Inspire a customer-centric culture by recognizing and rewarding team members.
- Develop top performers, evaluate performance, and provide coaching and appropriate feedback.
- Build teams through effective employee development, involvement, and communication.
- Three or more years of successful retail management experience.
About the company
REI is an outdoor co-op that sells top-quality gear and apparel, offers rental equipment, and provides expert advice and outdoor experiences to help people enjoy nature. Its products work by organizing and selling outdoor gear and services—gear, clothing, rentals, and guidance—so customers can plan, equip, and participate in outdoor activities. REI differentiates itself from competitors by operating as a shareholder-free co-op focused on stewardship and sustainability, reinvesting proceeds to support the outdoors rather than paying dividends. It also builds a community through its stories, experiences, and expert advice aimed at helping people of all levels get outside. The company’s goal is to inspire and enable life outside for everyone and to awaken a lifelong love of the outdoors for all.
Company Size
5,001-10,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Seattle, Washington
Founded
1938
Get referred to REI
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- REI posted $3.54 billion 2025 sales and narrowed loss to $54.3 million.
- September 15, 2026 AllTrails partnership deepens member value and drives trail discovery.
- REI’s 2026 Half Dome refresh and store openings reinforce product relevance and footprint growth.
What critics are saying
- Eleven unionized stores still face compensation cuts and a bargaining breakdown since February 2026.
- Union leaders called a boycott after REI implemented impasse terms on May 2, 2026.
- If trust erodes, REI’s co-op identity collapses into undifferentiated specialty retail.
What makes REI unique
- Mary Beth Laughton’s Peak 28 centers REI’s Green Vests as trusted outdoor experts.
- REI’s 26 million-member co-op creates loyalty, rewards, and recurring community engagement.
- REI blends retail with stewardship through trails, films, and member-led outdoor programming.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Paid Vacation
Employee Discount
Company News
REI Co-op and BEAMS bring a 1986 outdoor icon back to life. Oct 06, 2026, 09:00 ET The limited-edition Expedition Parka blends REI's outdoor heritage with BEAMS' contemporary Japanese design perspective SEATTLE, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Today, REI Co-op and BEAMS unveiled the BEAMS x REI Co-op Expedition Parka, a limited-edition collaboration that revives one of REI's most iconic cold-weather designs through the lens of contemporary Japanese style. Inspired by an original 1986 Expedition Parka discovered in REI's archive, the new jacket blends nearly 90 years of outdoor heritage with BEAMS' distinct design. The result is a modern interpretation of a co-op classic, honoring the original's purpose-built functionality while introducing modern materials and performance features for life outside today. "The best pieces in our archive don't feel like relics. They feel as relevant today as they did when they were first designed," said Scott Mosher, creative director, Brand at REI Co-op. "What made the Expedition Parka special in 1986 still matters today: purposeful design, durability and a deep connection to life outside. Working with BEAMS gave us a chance to celebrate that heritage while seeing it through a completely fresh lens." "BEAMS has always been interested in American style and the stories behind the clothes," said Keita Kobayashi, BEAMS Men's Casual Buyer. "When we began working with the original Expedition Parka from REI's archive, there were so many details that felt special and worth preserving. We wanted to respect what made the original distinctly REI while bringing a BEAMS perspective to how it could be worn today. That balance between outdoor function, history and everyday style is what makes this collaboration exciting to us." While rooted in heritage, the Expedition Parka is built for the present. The jacket features WINDSTOPPER(R) by GORE-TEX LABS(R) fabric, 650-fill-power down insulation, a durable water repellent (DWR) made without PFAS, and recycled materials - and it's made in a Fair Trade Certified(TM) factory. Co-branded details and a coordinating stuff sack complete the design. Only 500 BEAMS x REI Co-op Expedition Parkas were produced, making this a highly limited-edition release. Beginning October 6, the parka will be available for $599 online and at select stores. The Expedition Parka marks the latest chapter in the relationship between REI and BEAMS, building on the brands' successful 2025 collaboration with Swiss performance brand On. That collection brought the three brands together around outdoor culture, technical performance and everyday style, with REI's archive providing inspiration and examples of timeless colorways. About REI Co-op REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation's largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 26 million members who expect and love the best quality gear and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op's many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all. About BEAMS BEAMS, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in March 2026, was founded in Harajuku, Tokyo, in 1976. Following its first store, "American Life Shop BEAMS," it has developed stores based on various lifestyles from around the world and has led the way as a pioneer of select shops that introduce a wide range of domestic and international brands and works, from fashion and miscellaneous goods to interiors, music, art, and food. In particular, it has a wealth of experience as a driving force in creating new value through collaborations and provides creative solutions in collaborations with companies and public-private partnerships. With approximately 165 stores in Japan and the Asian region, the culture woven from communities centered on things, events, and people is supported by a wide range of generations in various locations. SOURCE REI Co-op
From peak to peak: A first look at On x BEAMS x REI Co-op. In a global collaboration, On, BEAMS, and REI Co-op find a sweet spot between camping, running, and contemporary streetwear with an exclusive limited selection available online September 25, 2025.
Bedford County in the spotlight for Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week. September 23, 2026, 13:36 GMT Volunteers will "Turn Their Passion Into Action" with stewardship activities all week. BEDFORD COUNTY, PA, UNITED STATES, September 23, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ - Pennsylvania is home to extraordinary natural, cultural, and historic resources - and these places thrive only when people step forward to care for them. Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week (September 26-October 4, 2026) highlights how residents and visitors can get involved. This year, Bedford County takes center stage. "Healthy Lands Week is both a celebration and a call to action," said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF). "Stewardship and volunteerism protect the environment, improve our well-being, and strengthen both community pride and the local economy. People enjoy countless recreational opportunities in our state parks and forests. Next week, we're inviting everyone to turn their passion into action by volunteering and giving something back." Jen Marsh, President and CEO of the Bedford County Development Association, says Bedford County is an ideal place to highlight stewardship. "Bedford County has embraced outdoor recreation as an economic engine. We're investing in new trail connections, expanding access to parks and historic sites, and elevating outdoor recreation as a driver of economic growth. But these assets thrive only when volunteers help to maintain them. Stewardship benefits the entire community." "Outdoor recreation is one of Pennsylvania's greatest attractions," said Brandon Hoover, Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Specialist with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). "It connects people to local economies, ecologies, and to each other by attracting trail users, anglers, paddlers, and heritage tourists... and it's a gateway to deeper appreciation for conservation." Healthy Lands Week is a key SCORP goal to support the volunteers who protect and improve Pennsylvania's public lands. Jim McCorkle, Park Manager at Shawnee State Park, is eager to welcome volunteers. "We have several fun projects lined up to restore trails, clean up litter, improve habitats, and care for the park." Karli Naugle, District Forester for Buchanan State Forest, sees a connection between past and present. "Several projects involve restoring sites built by the Civilian Conservation Corps nearly 100 years ago. The roads, bridges, trails, and picnic shelters they built still benefit us generations later." Tina Molski, former Chairperson of the PPFF Board and recently retired Director of Operations for REI's Northeast Distribution Center in Bedford County, appreciates just how special our outdoor resources are: "Now that I'm retired, I'm excited to enjoy them, and to help care for them, so they remain a source of adventure and pride for generations to come." Mike Teeter, a current REI employee and the PPFF Vice-Chairman, agrees. "Pennsylvania has so much to offer outdoor recreation enthusiasts. It's great to be part of something that helps promote us as a destination." Kickoff Event Thursday, September 24, 2026 10:30 a.m. Shawnee State Park Amphitheater (near campground entrance) 132 State Park Rd, Schellsburg, PA 15559 Media organizations are encouraged not only to cover the kickoff event but also to join the stewardship effort by volunteering for one of the many projects scheduled throughout the week. Opportunities include invasive species removal, trail restoration, historic site conservation, tree planting, habitat improvement, and more. Projects will take place across Bedford County, including Shawnee State Park, Buchanan State Forest, Warriors Path State Park, and additional local sites. A full list of projects, dates, and sign-up links is available at: https://pahealthylandsweek.org/get_involved_2026/ Marci J. Mowery Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation +1 717-236-7644 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Other Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. You just read: September 23, 2026, 13:36 GMT EIN Presswire's priority is author transparency. We do our best to weed out false and misleading content. The content above is the sole responsibility of the author who makes it available. If you have any complaints, kindly contact the author above. Marci J. Mowery Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation +1 717-236-7644 Company/Organization Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation 704 Lisburn Road, Suite 102 Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, 17011 United States +1 717-236-7644
Mary Beth Laughton and Janice Tennant on embracing change, driving innovation and navigating transformation. The heads of REI and Merrell shared insights on leveraging nonlinear career paths and navigating leadership with clarity during tough retail challenges. September 17, 2026, 3:28pm In a conversation presented by Wolverine Worldwide, Mary Beth Laughton, president and chief executive officer of REI, and Janice Tennant, global brand president of Merrell, sat down at WWD's 2026 Women in Power Summit with Nikara Johns, social media director of Fairchild Media Group, to discuss the duo's nonlinear career paths and what they've learned in previous roles to bring about change and evolve their respective companies as leaders today. Tennant started her career on the beverage side, with Tropicana, and then moved on to Quaker and diapers before she made her way into the footwear realm. One of the most pivotal points of Tennant's career was when she was forced into an innovation role, which informed how she approached other opportunities that came her way thereafter. Tennant is always looking at whether there's a way to "innovate in the sector" she's in, not "just products but also the process and systems used." You may also like. Meanwhile, Laughton noted that the most pivotal moments in her career have been "saying yes to opportunities I didn't feel ready for." While she was at Nike, she was asked to lead the digital business in Europe as her first big general management role. Although she had many personal reasons to say no, she agreed to it. She garnered a leadership skill set and it gave Laughton the confidence to say yes to more things, including her subsequent first board role and chief executive officer positions. "What I've learned is that the confidence and the comfort can come later," Laughton said. "It doesn't always come before you take the role." While Laughton was working at Sephora more than a decade ago, she saw an opportunity to merge the worlds of stores and digital when the head of stores was retiring - she approached the CEO and asked to take over both. Over the years, she's pitched herself for new and evolving roles in response to the marketplace three or four times over her career. "I realized in the journey as I've advanced in my career that it's really important to not get too fixated on that there's one way to do things," explained Tennant. "The marketplace changes - and that's gonna change the type of roles and the opportunities that you need and your team needs." One example of this at Merrell was when the company realized the pace of the marketplace was rapidly changing around consumer engagement, so the team built an in-house agency team to respond in real time. Looking at the commonalities between the major household names of Nike, Pepsi and Sephora where Laughton has worked, she said they were all "customer-driven, customer-centric brands" and all have a "passionate consumer base that is emotionally connected to the brands" - which she brings to her current position at REI. Speaking about past experiences to inform how the two use their voice when advocating for change and a new direction, Tennant shared that people are always looking for clarity, especially when change occurs. Laughton concurred; at REI's first all-employee meeting, she showed a slide of REI's profit trend over the last 10 years - which she said the company hasn't had that level of transparency in recent times. This laid the groundwork for the change Laughton was looking to implement. "Mary Beth and I talked about the fact that we came in at difficult times in our organizations where things weren't really pretty. Having some clarity is really critical and it's also really important as women for us to bring that voice because sometimes we bring a different texture and perspective that helps to drive a different sort of energy towards the goal that you're trying to go for," Tennant concluded. Daily Headlines
REI and AllTrails just announced official partnership. REI and AllTrails have announced a multiyear partnership offering discounted AllTrails memberships, trail cleanup events and new in-store programming. Two of the biggest names in outdoor recreation are teaming up. Latest videos. REI Co-op and AllTrails announced a multiyear partnership Sept. 15 that will combine discounted AllTrails memberships for REI members with trail stewardship events, in-store programming and other efforts aimed at getting people outside. Under the agreement, REI becomes AllTrails' official outdoor retailer in the United States, while AllTrails becomes REI's official outdoor exploration app partner. The companies also plan to hold activations at REI stores around the country. For REI's roughly 26 million members, the most immediate benefit is discounted access to AllTrails' paid plans. "This partnership felt natural to us from the start," said Carly Smith Costello, Chief Business Officer at AllTrails. "We're equipping REI members with the app they need to explore the outdoors and connecting them to real insights from the AllTrails community - from trail reviews and photos to current conditions and popular times. This is the start of a long-term partnership to support our communities' shared love of the outdoors." "Helping our members spend more time outside is one of the most meaningful ways REI delivers on the promise of co-op membership, and this new partnership with AllTrails helps us do just that," said Abigail Jacobs, Chief Marketing Officer at REI Co-op. "Together, we are making co-op membership more valuable by making it easier to discover new places, plan adventures, and explore with confidence. We're excited to help more people deepen their connection to the outdoors and the commitment to protect it." REI members get discounted AllTrails memberships. REI members can now purchase AllTrails Plus for $25 per year, compared with its standard $35.99 annual price. AllTrails Peak is available to REI members for $50 per year, compared with the regular $79.99 annual subscription. AllTrails offers three membership levels. The free Base plan includes trail discovery, basic maps, community reviews and navigation. Plus adds features including downloadable offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, 3D trail previews, live activity sharing and trail-condition information. Peak includes the Plus features along with AllTrails' more advanced route-planning and on-trail tools. For hikers, mountain bikers and backcountry users, offline maps are one of the more useful paid features, particularly in mountain areas where cell service can disappear quickly. The partnership goes beyond app discounts. REI and AllTrails are also expanding the Better Trails Club, a trail stewardship program the companies tested earlier this year. More than 500 volunteers participated in six Better Trails Club events during the spring, according to REI. The outings combined guided trail experiences with cleanup and stewardship projects involving local nonprofits and community organizations. Nine additional Better Trails Club events are planned across the United States this fall. REI describes the upcoming events as community hikes that include micro-trash cleanup based on Leave No Trace principles, followed by gatherings for participants. That makes the partnership more than a straightforward agreement to offer a discounted app subscription. REI gets a direct connection to one of the most widely used trail-discovery platforms, while AllTrails gains access to REI's enormous membership base, retail stores and existing outdoor education network. REI is also putting $1 million into America's National trails. The new partnership arrives as REI expands several other trail-focused initiatives. Earlier this month, the co-op announced that it will donate $1 million to organizations supporting America's National Scenic and Historic Trails as part of National Public Lands Day on Sept. 26. Customers, members and employees can vote through Oct. 2 on how part of that funding will be distributed. The participating organizations work across more than 60,000 miles of nationally designated trails, including routes such as the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. REI also reported that its Cooperative Action Fund distributed more than $12 million to 369 nonprofit organizations in 2025, supporting work that included more than 13,000 miles of trails and waterways. AllTrails continues to expand beyond trail maps. AllTrails has also been adding features and membership benefits beyond its original trail-finding function. The platform says its database now includes more than 450,000 trails around the world. Its paid subscriptions add offline navigation and other tools designed for people traveling beyond reliable cellular coverage. The new REI partnership gives the company another way to connect that digital trail network with the physical outdoor industry. For REI members who already pay for AllTrails, the discounted subscription pricing is the most obvious benefit. But the longer-term significance may be the combination of REI's retail and outdoor education footprint with AllTrails' enormous digital community.