[pct-l] REI - We have met the enemy, and he is us

[Douglas Tow]

Good afternoon,

REI is a corporation, but it is also a co-op.

You cannot own, buy or sell stock.  Its members are its owners and
constituents.  The governing board hires and fires its executive, in whom
the governing board invests its trust to carry out its objectives. Changes
in policy occur in corporations, partnerships, governments, and mom and pop
places.  For REI, it is not as if owners will be pocketing extra profits
from this policy change.

It is conceivable that the annual dividend will increase, or the dividend
will remain the same while prices drop, the chain could invest in faster
delivery or more complete size inventories in its outlets and warehouses,
open new stores; or none of these things.

As a potential client, every person can decide from moment to moment
whether to buy, refuse to buy, take advantage of its policies whatever they
may be, or not, and make opinions known in whatever method is available
today.

Members of REI can, at least indirectly, influence policy by doing what
co-op members can do under the by-laws.  And, everyone can contact REI with
any concern, need, want, or suggestion they may have.  It is likely that
working within the system, in the case of REI, will probably be faster
than, say, pouting or moping.

Doug