My wife had an excellent data resource available—a gmail account just for promo emails where she uses the archive button, not delete. A simple search for "REI" provided me with a mountain of data, which I present here for your shopping ninjafication.
Updated 9/29/2024
REI Sale Schedule Summary for 2024
Each year there are three member 20% off coupon sales and several seasonal sales (see schedule below). Lots of promotions for 20-30% off specific brands or outlet items throughout the year, but there isn't much of a pattern to them. Each sale has an associated promo code that they make very clear when shopping, but I am unaware of any separate secret promo codes.
- Going on now:
- Save an extra 25% off on selected cold weather deals at REI outlet with code OUTCOLD24, 9/26-9/30
- Up to 50% off ski and snowboard clothing and gear, started 9/24
- Sign up for text alerts to get 20% off one REI Co-op brand item, started May 2024
- There are always some good discounts and clearance items on the main REI deals page
- Also check out the Backcountry.com latest sales going now
- Next seasonal sale: Winter / pre-holiday sale mid-November
- Next 20% off member coupon: expected mid-November
- Member Dividends are now called Total REI Co-op Member Rewards and became available in early March—check your balance
- Next national garage sale: Temporarily suspended; ask if your local store has an everyday garage sale section available.
- (see historical garage sale schedule below)
- Note that these are affiliate links for companies I know and trust—if you find this page useful, please consider clicking one of my links before making a purchase. Thanks for your support!
Member Dividend + 20% off coupon — late March (after dividends are distributed)
- 3/15/2024
- 3/17/2023
- 3/18/2022
- 3/19/2021
- 3/20/2020
- 3/22/2019
- 3/23/2018
- 3/24/2017
- 3/18/2016
- 3/27/2015
- 4/1/2014
- 3/22/2013
- 3/30/2012
- 3/25/2011
Anniversary Sale + 20% off coupon — mid May
- 5/17/2024
- 5/19/2023 (then another 3-day coupon on 6/9 -- something new!)
- 5/20/2022
- 5/21/2021 (immediately preceded by a Member Flash Sale)
- 5/15/2020
- 5/17/2019
- 5/18/2018
- 5/19/2017
- 5/20/2016
- 5/15/2015
- 5/16/2014
- 5/17/2013
- 5/18/2012
- 5/20/2011
Member 20% off coupon — mid November (last coupon before Christmas)
- 11/10/2023
- 11/11/2022
- 11/12/2021
- 11/13/2020
- 11/15/2019
- 11/9/2018
- 11/10/2017
- 11/11/2016 (same setup as 2015)
- 11/13/2015 (part of pre-Thanksgiving sale; coincides with #OptOutside campaign)
- None in 2014
- 10/4/2013
- 10/5/2012
- 10/7/2011
———— Regular Seasonal Sales ————
January Clearance — mid January
- 2024 did not have this
- 1/3/2023
- 2022 did not have this either
- 2021 did not explicitly have this, but a clothing and footwear clearance started 1/15
- 1/13/2020
- 1/18/2019
- 1/12/2018 -- new type of sale!
Winter Clearance — early February
- 1/30/2024, followed by a constant stream of small clearances Feb-Mar
- 2/10/2023, plus more clearance 3/1/23
- None in 2022 -- there were extra "handpicked deals" at REI Outlet during this time
- 2/8/2021
- 2/5/2020 (the January sale ran almost continuously into this one)
- 2/8/2019
- 2/9/2018
- 2/10/2017
- 2/12/2016
- 2/13/2015
- 2/14/2014
- 2/15/2013
- 2/10/2012
- 2/11/2011
4th of July Sale and Clearance — late June (used to be Summer Clearance)
- 6/23/2023
- 6/24/2022
- None in 2021
- 6/26/2020
- 6/21/2019 (4th of July sale)
- 6/22/2018 (marketed as the 4th of July sale)
- 6/23/2017
- None in 2016 that were labeled as such! Friends/Fam coupon and a few smaller deals were during this time.
- 6/26/2015
- 7/2/2014
- 7/3/2013
- 6/29/2012
- 6/24/2011
Fall / Labor Day Sale — late August
- 8/23/2024 (included coupon for 20% off one Outlet item)
- 8/25/2023 (included coupon for 20% off one Outlet item and 20% off Re/Supply clothing)
- 8/26/2022 (included coupon for 20% off one Outlet item)
- 8/27/2021 (included coupon for 20% off one Outlet item)
- 8/28/2020 (included coupon for 20% off one Outlet item)
- 8/23/2019
- 8/24/2018
- 8/25/2017
- 8/26/2016
- 8/28/2015
- 8/26/2014
- 8/23/2013
- 8/24/2012
- 8/26/2011
Winter / Pre-Holiday / Gear Up and Get Out Sale — mid November
- 11/10/2023
- 11/11/2022
- 11/12/2021
- 11/13/2020
- 11/15/2019
- 11/9/2018
- 11/10/2017 (again complete before Thanksgiving; no black friday sale)
- 11/11/2016 (same setup as 2015)
- 11/13/2015 (earlier this year and with 20% coupon; coincides with #OptOutside campaign)
- 11/18/2014
- None in 2013, as far as I can tell
- 11/26/2012
- 11/28/2011
- 11/29/2010
Cyber Monday / Cyber Week — after Thanksgiving
Since 2015, REI has had the Gear Up and Get Out Sale before Thanksgiving (see above). No sales on Black Friday (#OptOutside instead). Cyber Week sales begin Saturday after Thanksgiving and last all Cyber Week until the following Monday, with special deals exclusively on Cyber Monday itself.
2023 included a coupon for 25% off an Outlet item.
Holiday Warm-Up / "Shop Now and Be Done" pre-holiday sale — mid December
- 12/8/2023
- 12/9/2022
- 12/10/2021
- none in 2020
- 12/12/2019
- 12/6/2018 -- new type of sale!
Holiday / Year-End Clearance — right after Christmas
- 12/26/2023
- 12/26/2022
- None in 2021
- 12/25/2020
- 12/25/2019
- 12/25/2018
- 12/25/2017
- 12/26/2016
- 12/26/2015
- 12/26/2014
- 12/25/2013
- 12/25/2012
- 12/25/2011
- 12/25/2010
REI Garage Sale
These became standardized nationally in 2016. While the dates have been different every year, we can see that the sales have become pretty frequent and you can guess at some of the approximate timing.
No sale dates scheduled for 2021/2022 yet; ask if your store has a "permanent" sale aisle.
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | . | 2/8 | . | . | ||||||||
| 2019 | . | 2/9 | 3/16 | 4/20 | . | 6/8 | 7/27 | . | 9/14 | 10/19 | 11/9 | 12/28 |
| 2018 | . | 2/10 | 3/17 | 4/21 | . | 6/9 | 7/14 | . | 9/22 | 10/20 | . | 12/1,29 |
| 2017 | . | . | 3/18 | 4/29 | . | 6/17 | . | . | . | 10/21 | . | 12/30 |
| 2016 | 6/11 | . | . | . | 10/1 | . | 12/31 |
REI Friends and Family Discount — no obvious pattern
Lately these have come twice a year: mid-April and early OctoberFYI, REI employees get these to give to their friends and family, which is the only way to get them. (This coupon gives up to 25% off multiple items, and also usually has 15% off bicycles/boats/other items typically not on sale.)
- 4/7/2023
- 9/30/2022
- 4/8/2022
- 10/1/2021
- 10/2/2020
- 10/4/2019
- 4/26/2019
- 10/5/2018
- 4/27/2018
- 10/7/2017 -- two in one year again
- 6/10/2017
- 6/18/2016
- 11/7/2015—two in one year!
- 6/20/2015
- No info for 2014—appears to be no coupon
- 9/21/2013
- 6/16/2012
- 4/30/2011
- 5/1/2010
- 4/18/2009
 |
| Example REI Friends and Family Event discount coupon and restrictions / conditions |
 |
| Example REI Friends and Family coupon terms and conditions from 2018 |
I hope this info helps you shop more efficiently! Don't forget the REI garage sales for when you don't need an exact item at an exact time; I've found tons of great deals there that usually involved very simple fixes for "broken" things.
What's your favorite deal at REI?
-Mike
Thanks for this man! I was wondering how much coupons they always give out!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike. I think you just saved me $110, assuming mid-May 2016 turns out the same.
ReplyDeleteThanks, guys! Please keep your success stories and any tips coming in!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the schedule! Really helps plan out the spending,.... and asking for forgiveness when I spend too much!
ReplyDeleteVery helpful. Thank you for archiving these dates. They impact my wallet. I get lulled to sleep w endless REI email parade of minor sales.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had access to the friends and family sale today! Sigh thanks for the updates!
ReplyDeleteI archive all my email too and have never received an email about REI's friends and family discount. I wonder if it's a regional thing?
ReplyDeletejust found this out, and wanted to pass along info, the friends and family discount is only given to EMPLOYEES who can then share with friends and families.
DeleteYes that's exactly right; employees share cards with one-time-use coupon codes for that sale. It's certainly good to know people!
DeleteThanks, this is really useful! I recently got myself a membership and have been waiting for that first coupon. Good to have a general idea of when they come out!
ReplyDeleteJust a heads up, one of the seasonal employees here in Atlanta said they've been briefed on some coupons and sales coming up soon. I tried to get more details to no avail. I'm guessing we should know something before the month is up.
ReplyDeleteGreat; thanks! I fully expect there to be a big sale after Thanksgiving along with a 20% off coupon, which may come earlier. Or maybe they have something new up their sleeves!
DeleteThanks for the analysis! Great work! Now if you can add a chart on Backcountry.com which is the serious outdoor gearhead nirvana. Usually they mimic REI's schedule to some degree, and have a few more 20% off sales a year than REI.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! I'll see what I can do; thanks! If you already have any info on backcountry sales or promotions, feel free to get in touch with me via the contact form on the right side of this blog!
DeleteThank you! Get out there. Ranzilan
ReplyDelete20% off starts this Friday through the 21st. Lots of deals on snow gear including Arcteryx and Patagonia.
ReplyDeleteBackcountry.com has 20% off one full price item going on right now as well. In case you need multiple expensive things!
ReplyDeleteI noticed this too! Looks like they're trying to compete which is good for those looking to buy!
DeleteThanks for the info! Used this coupon for a winter helmet for biking and am going to wait for a new road bike helmet 'till spring and see what is around then since it won't be getting any use for the next few months.
ReplyDeleteSounds great; thanks for stopping by! Come on back for more updates!
DeleteThanks for the info! Very helpful
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the great info! Can you use the %20 off coupon on anything, any brand, even online? I'm looking at a bike, but would have to have it shipped to a store (I live in Little Rock).
ReplyDeleteThe 20% coupon can be used for full-priced items but has always excluded things like bikes and boats. Sometimes bikes go on sale or there are particular ~15% off events for Novara bikes, though. Too bad!
DeleteDo you know if the "Next 20%-off coupon: 3/24 - 4/10, announced along with the member dividend" will count towards REI Garage items? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYes! The 20% off coupons pretty much always have one coupon for 20% off regularly-priced items, and 20% off one item at REI Garage. Enjoy!
DeleteThank you! Super helpful!
ReplyDeleteJust got Anniv Sale catalog for sale starting 5/19---I will be next to REI day prior to sale start. Anyone know if REI honors sale prices early in store?
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked at REI after I retired I was told, and it proved true, that 20% coupons may appear at other times if sales are slow for the year. I believe that one year we had five 20% off coupons issued.
ReplyDeleteFriends and Family is the best. When chatting with an REI employee ask them if they would like to take your email address and then share a F&F coupon with you. Oddly it can be difficult to give them away as an employee and the employee might appreciate your offer. If the first employee refuses then try another. When I worked there we got a small prize for being the employee who had the most F&F's show up and buy during the sale.
Very helpful - thanks!
ReplyDeleteJust want to say thank you for providing this information.
ReplyDeletethanks, very helpful
ReplyDeletethank you! super helpful and happy to use your link to click through to rei/sierra. appreciate that this was updated this year also!
ReplyDeleteI notice it says friends and family coupon 10/7/2017. Have these already gone out? I have not received anything. Looking to buy two new bikes.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike - Any idea if there are ways to get a REI Friends/Family coupon if you don't actually know an employee? TIA.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura, the friends and family discount comes in one-time-use codes that you get directly from an employee. Time to get friendly and buy a 6-pack or something!
Delete:-) gotcha! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMike, I'm not currently a member - do you know if I would have to be signed up to receive the upcoming member coupon, or could I sign up once it goes out and still receive it? I've never done one of these sales before and am wondering how it works. I'm really only looking for one item and don't want to sign up for a membership until I know for sure a coupon is going out...
ReplyDeleteIt's just a generic coupon code and you can sign up to be a member during the sale, so you can just monitor this site for the sale dates and make a decision then. Enjoy!
DeleteGreat resource. Thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeletePretty sure I know the answer but just want to confirm - the dates you have listed, they are the beginning of the sale? I’m trying to figure out when A sale might be in 2018.
ReplyDeleteYup! Those are the historical start dates of the sales. Most of the big ones last just over a week, covering a weekend at the start and finish. Cheers!
DeleteMike .... you're amazing. Thank you so much for doing this!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! Thanks for collecting, compiling, and sharing your data!
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what I was searching for. Thanks for all the info!
ReplyDeleteThanks much - zactly what I needed!
ReplyDeleteI received my member dividend, but no 20% off coupon this year? :(
ReplyDeleteYeah odd it's not in the mailer but the rumor I heard is that it will come separately for the end of March!
DeleteHello Mike,
ReplyDeleteThis is valuable! Thanks for sharing the historical dates. Any chance you logged similar historical information for Patagonia.com sales?
Brent
What a great website to stumble upon. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this! I need some camping pads and they apparently always sell at retail so I wanted to know wait for the next REI coupon to arrive. Now I know to wait until mid-November.
ReplyDeleteWhen u first sign up was there ever a 20% off entire purchase?
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a coupon for an entire purchase when signing up, but traditionally you get a coupon for 20% off a single item when becoming a member. Not certain if that's still going on, but you can watch here for other special deals!
DeleteJust got my dividend - NO 20% coupon. Surprised.
ReplyDeleteYup starting in 2018 the notifications for March dividends and 20% coupons were separated -- check out the new coupon available March 22, 2019!
DeleteThis is great website - thank you so much!!
ReplyDeleteVery helpful and well organized blog. I like your style. I missed a 30% off sale on select items in November so now am waiting for a 20% coupon. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to pop in and say "thank you *so* much" for doing this and keeping it updated. It is a great resource for myself and I send this link out to dozens of others.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Thanks so much!
DeleteFound your blog through reddit, thanks so much it was a huge help!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great information. The reason I'm here is that I received my REI dividend in early March, and it's the first time I can recall that a "20% off one item" coupon was not included with my dividend. And I have been an REI member since 1978.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! Yup this changed in 2018 -- don't worry the coupon should come very soon!
DeleteThanks for the great post. I am wondering, for the May 2020 Anniversary 20% coupon, has that ever excluded Goal Zero batteries and/or solar panels? I am looking to get one of the pricier larger batteries between $500-1,000 and was really hoping I could use the 20% coupon for that.
ReplyDeleteI'm not completely certain, but from what I recall, Goal Zero products were 25% off in the 2019 sale, so there is a good chance at least your coupon will work! I'll make a special note of the terms and conditions for this year.
DeleteHi Mike, can you track the REI co-op double dividend match events in your tracker?
ReplyDeleteI am referring to this: https://www.rei.com/member-match
With an REI credit card + the normal 10 % dividend and the 10 % dividend match, this technically puts any item in the store at 25% off, including items that are typically excluded from coupons, I.E: snowboards, bikes, GPS equipment, etc.
Thank you!
Definitely a good tip for getting those items at a discount! This is one of those kinda-random sales that hasn't had a pattern so far. I'll watch for it though. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThanks for the outline!
ReplyDeletedo you guys know if SUP paddle boards are included with the 20%
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately looks like no -- the key restrictions from the 2020 Anniversary Sale were this:
Delete"Discounts not valid on bicycles, bike simulators, strollers, paddle boards, hard-shell boats, any item with GPS technology, action cameras and accessories, activity trackers, personal locator beacons, avalanche transceiver and airbag products, skis, ski boots or ski bindings; snowboards, snowboard boots or snowboard bindings."
Mike - Thanks so much for the detailed list of exclusions for the 2020 Anniversary Sale. Can you tell if the list is fairly consistent between the Anniversary Sale and the other two big annual 20% off events?
DeleteHi Barry, glad you find it helpful! Most of those exclusions seem pretty consistent -- see also the photo of the friends and family exclusions in the article photo. I'll try to make note of what it says for the upcoming sales to be sure.
DeleteThanks for keeping this list updated, Mike. I know I've consulted it at least three or four times and it's quite valuable.
ReplyDeleteMike, I am a new REI member - joining in 2020 - and I've been using this site a lot. What does it really mean that instead of receiving a dividend this year, REI is offering members 10% back on eligible full-price purchases in 2020? How does this new structure play out differently? Or is the 10% back exactly the same as the dividend?
ReplyDeleteGood question! No idea. We'll have to see what it looks like when they come out. Maybe it will have a time limit or other restrictions?
DeleteIt sure looks like the dividend from 2020 will be calculated just like other years, except it expires on 12/31/21 instead of having the option to cash out.
DeleteI asked a store employee about this and they explained that REI didn't make any profits with which to give back to members as dividends. However, they still wanted to provide the money back to members, but had to structure it differently just this one time. Thus the expiration date.
DeleteYou're an absolute legend for keeping this updated man
ReplyDeletethank you
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome. Thanks for all the effort you put in!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this! Was about to splurge for a $500 tent but I don't need it until September, so fingers crossed for it to go on sale at the end of this month!
ReplyDelete20% on 23rd and 24th of september!
ReplyDeleteGot a email today with a code for 25% off REI branded items. Should there also be a code coming out mid November for 20% off store wide, or is this replacing it?
ReplyDeleteThere are frequently coupons for x% off REI branded or Outlet items, but these generally do not replace the standard three big coupons per year. Pattern continues!
DeleteThank you for continuing to do this! I refer to it often.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! Thank you to everyone for coming by for the info and, ideally, making a purchase through my links. Cheers!
DeleteCould you please make one for 2024? That would be awesome. Your 2023 was a very helpful resource. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJust a quick note from an REI employee:
ReplyDeleteI don't think this is an official thing, but all of our recent "big" sales (with the 20%-off coupons) and quite a few other events have the same pattern:
They *end* on a Monday, and begin the second Friday before that.
The three big sales seem to be:
"Member Moment" ends on the last Monday in March, so this year will begin on March 15th.
"Anniversary Sale" ends on Memorial Day, legally the last Monday in May, so this year _should_ begin on May 17th.
"Gear Up and Get Out" ends the Monday just before Thanksgiving, so _should_ begin on Nov. 15th.
I don't know of any other patterns.
— A "friendly REI employee"