Profitability vs. People: REI Cuts Pay & Benefits - Outdoor Unfiltered

Today on Outdoor Unfiltered, Eoin Comerford breaks down the news that REI is cutting pay and benefits for employees as the co-op struggles to return to profitability. After four straight years of losses REI is facing some tough financial realities — and payroll is squarely in the spotlight. Eoin digs into what’s driving the decision, why payroll costs at REI are significantly higher than other retailers, and why a healthy REI still matters to the broader outdoor industry. Also in this episode: • Vail Resorts’ historically bad winter season • Why ski resorts are still making money despite poor snow • Eoin is then joined by Rock Founder and Outdoor Industry veteran, Colin True, to discuss the outdoor recreation economy’s “$1.3 trillion” headline number (and why it’s misleading) as well as the new brand campaigns from The North Face (https://youtu.be/Yd5CHtqGQhE?si=U_ShZMtTitSMqh_j) and Merrell (https://youtu.be/x2cGt464MaE?si=rjNscDL-Kdvokr_X) . Outdoor Unfiltered looks past the PR spin to explore what’s really happening in the outdoor industry and why it matters. Connect with Eoin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ Email the show: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com