REI announces layoffs, including employees at headquarters in Sumner. Here’s what we know
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) announced its decision to lay off 200 employees in Sumner.
The CEO of the outdoor retail company, Eric Artz, sent a message to employees Thursday that the company will let go 357 employees total. 200 of those employees work at REI’s headquarters at 1700 45th St. E. in Sumner.
“While this work was primarily driven by financial necessity, we took a strategic approach to evaluating team structures against business needs to ensure consistency across the organization as leaders made decisions about which roles to eliminate,” Artz wrote in the message.
Outdoor specialty retail has become “increasingly challenging” in recent years, Artz wrote. The company’s revenue in 2024 will be lower compared to 2023. That means the company must adjust its plans and cost structure accordingly, he wrote.
Employees who are laid off will receive severance, outplacement support and other separation benefits, Artz wrote.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
