REI Distribution Center

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Our state-of-the-art Distribution Centers (DC) act as hubs at which merchandise is received from vendors and then shipped to REI stores and to customers who shop online or via telephone. DC staff members are responsible for receiving merchandise from vendors; pricing merchandise; planning efficient warehouse storage; picking, packaging, and shipping orders for stores and Direct Sales customers; monitoring and resolving inventory discrepancies; and handling damaged or defective merchandise for return to vendors.

Typical positions at the Distribution Centers are merchandise handlers, and receiving, marking, wrapping and shipping clerks, and bike technicians. Many of these positions are seasonal. In addition, we have staff involved in logistics planning at our headquarters (for information, see Merchandising on our Headquarters page).

Our Distribution Centers are located in Sumner, Washington, 37 miles south of Seattle, and in Bedford, Pennsylvania.

Job Profiles:

Merchandise Handler:

Merchandise Handlers accurately pick or stock merchandise in a timely manner to ensure department goals are met while operating equipment in a safe and cautious manner. Merchandise Handlers also pack and route merchandise for our online and phone customers, and our retail stores. Merchandise Handlers use REI Radio Frequency (RF) systems to aid them in their work. All Handlers must have an ability to lift and shift boxes weighing an average of 20 to 30 pounds throughout a full shift of work, with a maximum of 65 pounds.

Receiving Clerk:

Receiving Clerks are responsible for accurate and timely receipt of incoming merchandise. Receiving Clerks must have strong attention to details with the ability to produce high quality and quantity of work. They must be able to lift 65-pound cartons using safe lifting techniques throughout a full shift of work, and they must have previous distribution center experience (one year) that involved vendor packing lists, product handling, and product flow in a production environment.

Marking Clerk:

Marking Clerks-also known as Split-to-Store or STS Clerks-check, ticket, split and pack full case quantities of merchandise while maintaining standards of quality, accuracy and completeness. Marking Clerks are able to maintain a full shift of light/medium work while standing and be able to guide and shift boxes weighing an average of 20 pounds, with a maximum of 65 pounds.

Order Fulfillment Wrapping Clerk:

Wrapping Clerks accurately process the maximum number of orders while maintaining the quality of packaging of orders to our customers to ensure their satisfaction. Wrapping Clerks demonstrate an ability to handle multiple tasks, have a strong attention to detail, and have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds using safe lifting techniques throughout a full shift of work.

Shipping Clerks:

Shipping Clerks prepare and load cartons of merchandise for safe, secure and accurate shipment to our retail stores. Shipping Clerks work with electric and manual pallet jacks to prepare merchandise to be loaded onto trailers for REI Retail outlets and bulk shipments, including returns to vendors and oversize shipments. Shipping Clerks maintain a medium to heavy workload, routinely moving and lifting boxes that weigh up to 65 pounds.

Bike Technicians:

Bike Technicians are responsible for building bicycles according to the quality and safety standards in preparation for shipment to retail stores. Bike Technicians maintain a medium workload, are familiar with REI bicycle lines, have a mechanical aptitude, and lift large boxes weighing up to 65 pounds. Bike Production Specialists prepare the incoming bikes by writing up the legal paperwork for each bike and by helping package the built bikes.

job openings

I started working at our distribution center as a seasonal employee. That part-time job has developed into a fun and exciting career as a member of our DC supervisory team. REI will support your desire to grow within the company to achieve your goals. — Kenneth V.

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