REI Co-op began in 1938 as a group of 23 mountain climbing buddies looking to buy more affordable ice axes from Europe. Today, the outdoor retailer has become the nation's largest consumer cooperative with 16 million members. But no matter how large the co-op grows, its roots remain firmly planted in the outdoors. REI’s passion for outdoor adventure is clear whenever you walk into one of the co-op’s 149 stores in 36 states, phone them, take a class or visit REI.com.