Any customers who have Experience trips or programs booked will receive a full refund of costs paid to REI. These aren't the first layoffs REI has enacted in recent years. In January 2024, the company laid off over 300 employees. In early 2023, the company also laid off 167 people.

Affected full-time employees will receive their full salary and benefits through March 9. Workers who split time between the stores and the events, classes and tours business — known collectively at REI as Experiences — may be able to stay with the company, depending on the store. REI has more than 16,000 employees.

More than 400 employees will be let go as part of the decision. CEO Eric Artz said the 40-year-old experiences division was unprofitable.

REI Experiences was launched in 1987, then branded as REI Adventures. In 2022 the company rebranded this to REI Experiences, stating that it hoped that the new name would be less intimidating and encourage growth. It discontinued tours outside the United States in early 2020, citing costs even before the pandemic.

REI confirmed it has ended its Experiences business to refocus on retail instead of classes and guided trips. The post After 40 Years, REI Ends ‘Experiences’ Adventure Travel & Day Tours Business appeared first on GearJunkie.

REI Co-op is shuttering its Experiences business, effective this week. With this move, 428 employees - including 180 people in full-time roles and 248 part-time guides - will be laid off. The outdoor specialty retailer informed its employees of the decision today.

Outdoor goods store REI Co-Op is shutting down one of its businesses focused on experiences such as excursions, day tours and classes, the company announced Wednesday.