KENT, Wash. (BRAIN) — REI President and CEO Eric Artz emailed co-op members Sunday night to share the actions the outdoor company has undertaken to protect customers and employees since the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S.
While all 162 retail stores remain open, the company said it has increased the frequency and rigor of cleaning and sanitization of those stores, as well as at distribution centers and offices, Artz wrote. Two REI office employees in Washington state possibly were exposed to the virus March 2 and five office campuses closed for two days for deep cleaning and reopened.
REI Adventures trips — which range from weekend getaways to three-week treks on foot, by kayak, canoe and bike — will have terms updated to provide more flexibility to cancel without financial penalties.
Paid time off policies have been modified to ensure employees who miss work because of illness or to care for family members don't suffer loss of income or other benefits.
Artz said the co-op will monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health officials around the country.
The office campuses closed were the Kent, Seattle/Georgetown, and Bellevue/Eastgate locations. Employees were told to work remotely. REI also has suspended all employee business travel through March 20, which included a training session involving Cannondale, which is an REI supplier.
