Summary
REI apologized for endorsing Trump interior secretary nominee Doug Burgum, citing backlash over his support for fossil fuel drilling and deregulation.
CEO Mary Beth Laughton, who took over March 31, called the endorsement “a mistake” and pledged to refocus REI on protecting public lands.
The co-op will lead a new coalition, Brands for Public Lands, to lobby for conservation.
The REI Union, which had criticized the endorsement, praised the retraction. The company also faces legal challenges over alleged anti-union practices and benefits withholding.
We’re in the market for a kid carrying ebike, and while REI makes the most financial sense, I think we’ll be paying a visit to our LBS.
As an aside, I tend to prefer Sports Basement. Have had better luck with their bike department, too. No idea if they’re better from a corporate standpoint though.
LBS FTW
Hell yeah on LBS.