REI partners with West Elm for the summer

For the first time in its 82-year history, REI will sell its product through another retailer.

The outdoor specialty co-op has teamed up with home furnishings company West Elm on a co-curated collection, called REI x West Elm, of lifestyle products designed to help people feel at home while in the outdoors. 

The introductory assortment combines REI’s outdoor-gear expertise with West Elm's signature modern design aesthetic to offer customers “durable, approachable and comfortable outdoor product solutions.” The collection features 35 products, and ranges from $6 to $199, with most items under $60. It is available online on both REI and West Elm’s sites. 

"Our customers enjoy the outdoors in a variety of ways – from running, riding and hiking, to simply sharing a meal and a moment of relaxation outside," said Paul Calandrella, general merchandising manager for camp products, REI, which operates 162 stores "We love the opportunity to partner with a brand that not only aligns with our values, but also shares our passion for curating great outdoor experiences.”

The collection includes such items as folding outdoor chairs, a portable shade shelter, bright reusable tableware, a collapsible campfire table, a double-sided outdoor blanket, outdoor pillows and more.

"We designed this modern collection of colorful everyday entertaining essentials and sustainably sourced outdoor textiles to complement REI Co-op's high performing recreational gear," said Jeffrey Hannoosh, senior VP of design, West Elm which has 100-plus stores and is a division of Williams-Sonoma. "Our collaboration with REI Co-op inspires families to bring the comforts of home to the great outdoors – from weeknights dining al fresco to relaxing summer weekends in the backyard."

The two companies have also co-produced an exclusive Camp Monsters podcast episode designed to entertain the entire family. The episode will be added to REI's Camp Monsters podcast series.