Arc’teryx was named Vendor Partner of the Year at REI Co-op’s awards this week, while KEEN, Vuori, Gregory, and Atomic were also recognized as leaders in footwear, apparel, outdoor hardgoods, and action sports, respectively.
REI’s Vendor Partner of the Year awards recognizes brands for innovation, performance, business practices, experiences with REI customers and staff, and sustainability.
“For over 30 years, our Vendor Partner of the Year awards have celebrated the co-op’s most valued brand partnerships that drive positive change,” said Kristin Shane, REI’s chief merchandising officer, in a statement. “Out of more than a thousand brands carried in our stores and online, only 16 vendors make the final round – a remarkable achievement.”
It’s the first year North Vancouver, B.C.-based Arc’teryx has won Vendor Partner of the Year. The brand was previously recognized in the apparel category in 2019 and 2024.
Arc’teryx demonstrates its outdoor specialty retail and partnership focus through product innovation, newness, customer experience, collaboration, and more, according to a news release. It is REI’s fastest growing brand for trail running apparel, and the company ranks in the 90th percentile among the retailer’s brands in sustainability with emissions reduction targets.
“Arc’teryx’s win for overall Vendor Partner of the Year is well-deserved,” Shane said. “Across the co-op, we thank them for their shared vision and congratulate their recognition. As a true industry leader in both sustainability and innovation, they continue to set the pace with no signs of slowing down.”
Divisional Awards go to KEEN, Vuori, Gregory, and Atomic
REI also named its divisional award winners across footwear, apparel, outdoor hardgoods, and action sports. 2025’s winners were:
- KEEN in footwear – KEEN is REI’s leading foodwear brand. Based in Portland, Oregon, the family-owned company prioritizes REI in innovation and collaboration, according to the release, and delivers “best-in-class execution across inventory, training, and sustainability.” It is a leader in eliminating PFAS and has set bold emissions reduction targets. KEEN won Vendor Partner of the Year in 2004.
- Vuori in apparel – Based in San Diego County, Vuori has dominated the athleisure category since 2015 with its buttery soft DreamKnit™ fabric. The brand’s understanding of its consumers, who are trend-conscious, want newness, and blend lifestyle with performance has driven its rapid growth.
- Gregory in outdoor hardgoods – Salt Lake City-based Gregory is a global leader in expedition, backpacking, daypacking, lifestyle, and camping gear. The brand focuses on educating REI’s retail employees, which results in great customer service. It also supports youth participation with its support of Big City Mountaineers, which connects young people to nature, and prioritizes sustainability.
- Atomic in action sports – Austria’s Atomic is known for its authenticity and innovation. The brand bridges elite racing performance with North American freeride culture with its designs, and collaborates closely with REI, which resulted in double-digit growth last year. The company hosts the Ski Industry Climate Summit and is committed to sustainability.
REI will donate to the REI Cooperative Action Fund nonprofit on behalf of each winning brand this year.
Established in 1993, past recipients of the REI Vendor Partner of the Year Award include Arbor Collective (2018), Atlas Snowshoe (1999), Black Diamond Equipment (1994, 2006), Bell Sports (1997), Brooks (2012, 2016), CamelBak (2008), Cannondale (2019), Cascade Designs (2001), Columbia Sportswear (1998), Eagle Creek (2000, 2005), Eagle Nest Outfitters (2014), HOKA (2020) Keen Footwear (2004), Kühl (2013, 2015), NEMO Equipment (2017), On (2023), Osprey (2007, 2024), prAna (2003), Smith Optics (2002, 2009), Vasque (1995, 1996), Vibram (2010, 2011) and Yakima (1993).
