How does the REI co-op dividend work?

The REI Co-op dividend is a unique benefit that REI offers to its members as a way of sharing the co-op's success and fostering loyalty among its customer base. When a person becomes a member of REI by paying a one-time fee, they gain access to a variety of advantages, including the chance to earn a dividend on qualifying purchases made during that calendar year. Essentially, the dividend is based on a percentage of the amount that individual members spend at REI, both in-store and online. The actual percentage can vary each year, but it is typically around ten percent of eligible purchases. This means that if a member has spent a significant amount during the year, the dividend earned can be substantial. At the end of the calendar year, REI calculates the total eligible purchases for each member and then issues dividends, usually in the form of a credit that can be used for future purchases. Members typically receive notification of their dividend via email or through their REI account. It is important to note that dividends are paid out in the following spring, and they can be redeemed for purchases in any REI location or on rei.com. This system not only rewards members for their patronage, but it also encourages them to continue supporting the co-op. Therefore, the more a member shops, the more they stand to benefit from the dividend. For additional details regarding how dividends are calculated or specific eligibility requirements, it might be beneficial to refer to the current REI website.