I joined in 1985, when membership was free for the asking...they offered an REI Visa way back then, and I took them up on it...a couple of years ago it transiti

I joined in 1985, when membership was free for the asking...they offered an REI Visa way back then, and I took them up on it...a couple of years ago it transitioned to a Mastercard...so, I've been carrying an REI endorsed and embossed credit card for 30 years, as well... I buy almost all of my outdoor gear from them and have absolutely no complaints...although I'm actually more of a "customer", as the article points out, I feel the vast majority of my interactions with their staff leave me feeling like a "member"...the service is that great... I love the co-op model and always look forward to my yearly dividend...one thing I really appreciate is that the company structure effectively discourages a buy-out, which the article mentions... In the early days ballots were sent out and answered by mail around dividend time, if memory serves me...haven't voted since then, but follow co-op news in a few places... Can't recommend them highly enough...