Owned by hippies selling overpriced crap to hipsters, snowflakes, urban cowboys, city slickers, backyard worriors, metrosexuals, counterculture types, etc.
I sent an email asking what exactly were they asking Vista to do?
Here's the answer:
"Thank you for contacting REI.
We don't have additional information to share now but we read each of these emails and share overall feedback with leadership.
Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
Jill W.
REI Customer Service"
Of course I there's no way to reply to their response.
I've got 2 $50 gift cards from there. I'm thinking I could buy something and donate it to the next Friends of NRA auction.
Too bad about REI. Three or four decades ago I'd buy climbing gear from Hudson Bay Outfitters, who had to change their name because of HBO. They yuppified, and I bought some equipment from REI, which was pretty good and reasonably priced. Last time I was in either place, prices were ridiculous and quality was so-so. So bye bye.
Chouinard gear was always top-notch, but when they turned into a clothing store, again prices outpaced value. Then they went and got all Cali-flower Green, so eff 'em. I'm too old to screw around on mountains, anyway.
Not surprised about rei playing politics. They are probably hoping for some press in a time they are struggling to stay relevant and in business.
The ironic thing is rei relies on our outdoor rec park s and spaces and one of the largest if not the largest sources of income and support for these areas are hunters and fisherman.
If you're an REI member you can vote for members on the Board of Directors. Currently there's 4 members up for vote. What their opinions are on gun control I have no idea.
Link to REI elections page. https://www.rei.com/profilepage#campbell
So now, not only are companies publicly and loudly going full leftard themselves, they are publicly and loudly letting it be know when they refuse to do business with other companies on similar "principles"