REI Co-op Restarts Popular In-Store Garage Sales

The outdoor retailer is testing in-person secondhand gear events at ten locations across the United States this weekend.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Couponing

REI Co-op Restarts Popular In-Store Garage Sales

Live Poll

Would you prefer to shop for used outdoor gear in-person at events rather than online?

REI Co-op has launched a pilot program bringing back its traditional in-store garage sales to ten U.S. cities. The events, which were paused in 2020 due to the pandemic, are exclusive to REI members.

Why it matters

The company is using these pilot events to gauge which aspects of the traditional garage sale experience remain valued by customers. It also aims to reintroduce members to its existing Re/Supply secondhand gear program.

Attendees can purchase an REI lifetime membership for $30 at the event and receive a 20% discount coupon. Participation is restricted to current members.

The players

REI Co-op

This Seattle-based outdoor retailer specializes in camping, hiking, and climbing gear while operating under a cooperative membership model.

The details

Shoppers can sign up for the events through the official REI Co-op website. The retailer is actively monitoring member participation and operational success at these locations to inform future planning.

REI paused its traditional garage sale events in 2020.
The pilot garage sale events occur on October 24-25, 2026.

Culture Shift

The return of these sales highlights a broader retail trend of integrating secondhand marketplaces with brick-and-mortar experiences. This approach updates the legacy Re/Supply program by reintroducing the tactile, treasure-hunt nature of traditional in-store garage sales.

Members in the ten participating cities gain access to exclusive in-person discounts on used gear that were previously unavailable. If you are not already a member, you can pay a $30 fee at the store to secure a lifetime membership and immediate access to the 20% off coupon.

The takeaway

Members should check the company website to see if their local store is included in the current pilot phase. Utilizing in-store events allows shoppers to inspect used items firsthand before making a purchase.