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Highlights
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
We began as a community of climbers in search of quality outdoor gear. Now, seventy-eight years and nearly 150 stores later, our community of more than 16 million members is still united in the belief that an outdoor life is a life well lived.
Decade 1930 - 1939
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1938

With help from lawyer Ed Rombauer, Lloyd and Mary Anderson form the Recreational Equipment Cooperative to share quality outdoor gear with their fellow climbing buddies.
Decade 1940 - 1949
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1945

Driven by the lack of rental options in the Pacific Northwest, the co-op creates a gear rental business that continues to thrive to this day.
Decade 1950 - 1959
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1959

Co-founders Lloyd and Mary Anderson travel to Europe to meet suppliers, with Mary playing the role of German translator. They also evaluate equipment and test new climbing techniques.
Decade 1960 - 1969
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1961

Committed to taking care of our own, REI begins to offer employees medical and pension plans; a profit sharing plan debuts several years later, in 1966.
Decade 1970 - 1979
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1976

REI launches a giving program to support outdoor recreation. Since then, the co-op has donated more than $40 million to such projects on public lands.
Decade 1980 - 1989
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1983

REI launches Novara, a line of mountain, road and touring bikes, along with cycling clothing and accessories.
Decade 1990 - 1999
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1996

REI.com launches as the largest outdoor gear and apparel store on the Internet.
Decade 2000 - 2009
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2005

REI establishes a comprehensive sustainability strategy aimed at environmental stewardship, and pledges ongoing support to related causes.
Decade 2010 - 2019

2011

REI expands our reach to the Big Apple with a three-level store in the historic Puck Building in SoHo. Click to watch video.
NEW YORK CORRECTION LAW
ARTICLE 23-A, Section 753
LICENSURE AND EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONS PREVIOUSLY CONVICTED OF ONE OR MORE CRIMINAL OFFENSES

ยง753. Factors to be considered concerning a previous criminal conviction; presumption.

1. In making a determination pursuant to section seven hundred fifty-two of this chapter, the public agency or private employer shall consider the following factors:

(a) The public policy of this state, as expressed in this act, to encourage the licensure and employment of persons previously convicted of one or more criminal offenses.

(b) The specific duties and responsibilities necessarily related to the license or employment sought or held by the person.

(c) The bearing, if any, the criminal offense or offenses for which the person was previously convicted will have on his fitness or ability to perform one or more such duties or responsibilities.

(d) The time which has elapsed since the occurrence of the criminal offense or offenses.

(e) The age of the person at the time of occurrence of the criminal offense or offenses.

(f) The seriousness of the offense or offenses.

(g) Any information produced by the person, or produced on his behalf, in regard to his rehabilitation and good conduct.

(h) The legitimate interest of the public agency or private employer in protecting property, and the safety and welfare of specific individuals or the general public.

2. In making a determination pursuant to section seven hundred fifty-two of this chapter, the public agency or private employer shall also give consideration to a certificate of relief from disabilities or a certificate of good conduct issued to the applicant, which certificate shall create a presumption of rehabilitation in regard to the offense or offenses specified therein.