[pct-l] More on REI

[montedodge at msn.com (Monte Dodge)]

Membership in REI was just under 200,000 in 1970. ( 700,000 in 1977) Card number 2,000,000 by fall 1987.
   1980- last of the wooden handle ice axes sold at REI. By mid 80's, only 3 and a half percent of sales is actual climbing gear ( The basic of the beginning of REI) which was 30 % of all sold in US.
   Other info in book??? Eddie Bauer , started in 1920 in Seattle and one time outdoor leader was gobbled up by General Mills in 1971. Hence Eddie Bauer is now just a Kaki Colored clothing store for people who hike to " Starbucks" only and little more!! ( Johnson Wax bought Eureka Tents)
   On a good note, Cascade designs bought up MSR.  Special note: Bigger is not Better,,, when it comes to outdoor companies...