The now-defunct REI Outlet has been replaced by REI Garage, a closeout shopping website the brand promises is more focused, simple, and quality-oriented than its predecessor.
REI announced the revamped outlet launch this week. REI Garage offers only “new, unused end-of-season closeout and previous year” items.
The news comes after an 18-month planning period in which the retail giant solicited feedback from members and online users of its REI Outlet platform. REI is promoting the launch with an extra 20 percent off through August 19th.
‘REI Garage’ Simplifies Bargain Hunting
“The outlet space is way too complicated and confusing right now, and the shopping experience feels unnecessarily chaotic,” Mark Seidl, general manager of REI Garage said in a statement.
The new site is geared for bargain shoppers, but the brand promises it only sources gear for the site that meets regular retail standards. To that end, REI will back all purchases from the REI Garage with its “full satisfaction guarantee.”
How Is It Different?
All products in the REI Garage are purchased by REI specifically for the Garage. This is different than typical outlet models, which push carry-over items that didn’t sell in a given year or season.
According to Seidl, brands in the REI Garage are the same “top-tier vendor partners that customers expect to find” on the flagship REI.com.
The retailer affirmed that Garage items were not “left overs.” As Seidl noted, REI’s massive retail buying power affords it the opportunity for first pick of Garage-worthy products.
“Our support of full-price business and relationships with vendor partners put us in the unique position of having the best access to high quality, off-price products,” he told us.
REI Garage is open now and offers free ship-to-store for both members and non-members.
