REI Reveals New Partnerships

Folks at REI have certainly been busy. The leader in outdoor retail announced two new partnerships this week with LAN Airlines and Salomon Sports.

REI is working with Lan Airlines, the leading international airline in South America, to award a lucky winner an all-inclusive travel package to Patagonia. The adventure package also includes tours through Buenos Aires, Los Glaciares National Park, and Chile's Torres del Paine. REI prides itself on helping to encourage fans and customers to get out and explore the world, and this partnership seems to be an extension of that promise.

The retailer will also team up with Salomon Sports to extend their combined passion for trail running to urbanites. The companies will collaboratively host a month long trail running seminar, making 14 stops in ten states. REI and Salomon footwear specialists will present about trail running safety, accessibility of local trails, how to get involved in the trail running community. Attendees will also have the opportunity to test Salomon's line of trail shoes, the XR Crossmax, Speedcross 3, and XR Mission.

The tour seeks to embolden those who live in urban areas to step outside their fitness comfort zone and discover the trail running lifestyle. The partnership follows a common thread amongst outdoor companies, for whom education and outreach continue to be a integral component of the marketing efforts.