REI and Base Pro - Product Offerings and Analysis



REI and Base Pro - Product Offerings and Analysis

Product Offerings at REI

REI's top executives credit the company's continued success to the strength of its roots. REI was founded in 1938. Its formation was a result of the realization of a need for climbing equipment by its owners. These were 23 mountaineers, with a passion to climb Pacific Northwest mountain regions. The roots of the company were also an acknowledgment to the existence of mutual camaraderie amongst mountaineers.

Analysis of Product

Bass Pro and REI are competitors in some product categories that fall in the ecosystem of outdoor products. These companies offer niche products, and have similar strategies to distribute its product-line. This is mainly through store presence across USA as well as official internet websites. These companies have aligned their offerings by developing exclusive relationships with manufacturers of outdoor gear. REI provides 100% satisfaction guarantees to its customers for its quality outdoor gear and clothing (www.rei.com). REI deals in numerous product categories in outdoor gear and clothing. These categories includes: camp and hiking equipment; climbing, cycling, fitness, running, paddle, snow sports gear and other equipment. REI also offer travelling and clothing gear as well as watches and other accessories fit for numerous outdoor purposes. These gears are available for both men and women (www.rei.com).

REI is focused towards outdoor sports. Bass Pro Shop is a competitor of REI that deals in products concerned with outdoor sports too. Bass Pro has its roots entrenched in fishing, hunting, shooting and camping. The later has also expanded into product categories involving camping and clothing complementing such outdoor sporting activities (www.basspro.com).

Analysis of Price

REI leveraged such possible relationships amongst potential customers and opted for a consumer cooperative based structure emphasized through memberships, yearend cash backs up to 10% and ...