Apps are probably one of the best complimentary products a business can offer these days.
And, of course, QVC UK knows this. So there’s no wonder why they can be found with a solid presence in the app store markets.
If you find yourself asking who or what QVC UK is, then hang on. Feel free to take a look at our full QVC UK review guide if you want to understand the QVC shopping platform a little better.
Going forward, we’ll assume you know the main gist of this mind-boggling shopping-made-easy platform.
From applications on the TV to your smartwatch, you can have QVC UK with you wherever you go without ever missing a deal.
Let’s take a quick look at the QVC apps available to you and what they can do to make your life easier.
You don’t need me to tell you why apps and smartphones go together. Smartphones are pretty much the most popular device for apps. And QVC UK has mobile apps for both iPhone and Android.
Featuring only slightly different UI designs, the iOS and Android applications both offer the same functionality to QVC customers.
Here’s what functions QVC customers can do:
Watch QVC UK live
View deals like the TSV
Shopping insane deals
Have access to the QVC TV Guide
Those are the main highlights of both applications, and both appear to be doing well with other customers.
The iOS version of the app comes in with an excellent 4.8-star rating on the Apple app store, so you can expect to have a smooth time with the app.
Here’s the iOS version:
Pretty sleek, right?
But we can’t leave out the Android fans. The QVC UK Android app comes in at a 3.5-star rating on the Google play store. Another solid score (although it’s not the best).
Take a look, Android fans:
Can you spot the differences? Either way, another excellent UI design that you should have no trouble using.
It’s worth noting that there’s also a QVC UK app for iPad. It’s basically the same as the iPhone version of the app, with more of a focus on watching QVC UK live.
The main difference is that you can post directly to social media from the app when watching.
QVC TV on your TV in more ways than channels
If you’re the proud owner of an Apple TV, then QVC UK has a present for you.
It’s very own Apple TV app:
That’s right. You can make QVC become the sole focus on your Apple TV.
See a deal you like? Use the Speed Buy button to make a quick purchase straight from your TV!
You don’t even need to call — just another excuse to dodge human interaction, yay!
As the picture above tells it, you can even browse recently on-air items. You can’t do that with regular TV.
If you own an Apple TV and want to become a more serious TV shopper, then grab this app and get watching.
Bring QVC UK everywhere. No, seriously.
At the beginning of this article, we said you could have QVC UK everywhere you go. We meant that.
If you own an Apple Watch, you can sync it right up to your iOS app and get QVC right on your wrist!
Talk about convenience, right?
When you sync your app up to your Apple Watch, you can do a surprising amount of things.
Here’s what you can do:
See the current Item On-Air
Check the price of the Item On-Air
Check the review rating of the Item On-Air
See Today’s Special Value
That’s pretty useful functionality for a little square on your wrist.
Final thoughts
If you’re a big QVC UK fan, then you should absolutely look into getting some of their apps for your favorite devices.
You could have deals at your fingertips and always see what’s currently on air. Plus, you can even remove the phone call portion of buying from your TV.
That’s good news for you introverts out there.
Overall, QVC offers a good assortment of apps that really let you flex those shopping muscles.
This is Allbids’ biggest sale of the entire year, so whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone on your holiday shopping list or just need a new pair of sneakers or sweats, now’s the time to treat yourself. Grab some of the brand’s best-sellers like the Tree Dasher 1s, Wool Runners, and Natural Leggings. Allbirds’ Black Friday sale runs through December 2, but we suggest shopping sooner than later—it’s selling fast!
I am so happy to say that rei co-op has come up with a new line of hiking boots! The reason why this makes me so excited is that i love rei co-op products. One of my first hiking backpacks was the rei co-op flash. I still have it to this day because it is of excellent quality and it is pretty durable. Most of rei’s products are pretty affordable, and that includes the rei co-op flash hiking boots. The hiking boots are great for beginner hikers or for people that would love some lightweight hiking boots. Another plus is that they are made from recycled material! I am all about companies that strive to make the planet a better place so check out below to get my full rei co-op flash hiking boots review. I talk about comfort, traction, water resistance, weight, support, value, and much more.
I hiked with the rei co-op flash hiking boots on 4 different trails around washington state. I experienced these shoes on different terrains like crossing streams, steep rocky areas, and muddy trails. Overall my experience was pretty great with the rei flash hiking boots, and i loved how lightweight they felt! Here are the trails i hiked to test them out:
Lake stuart: 9 miles round trip, 1665 ft. Elevation gain
Emmons moraine: 3 miles round trip, 900 ft. Elevation gain
Suntop lookout: 2.1 miles round trip,1100 ft. Elevation gain
Colchuck lake: 8 miles round trip,2280 ft. Elevation gain
Weight
The one thing that stops me from using hiking boots all the time is weight. Most hiking boots can be a little heavy or bulky when compared to hiking shoes. Luckily, the rei co-op flash hiking boots is on the lighter side compared to many other hiking boots in the market. Many hiking boots are usually over 2 lbs, while the rei co-op flash hiking boots is around 1 lb 13 ounces.
Usually, when hiking long trails, the boot’s weight can start to weigh you down, but luckily, while hiking colchuck lake (9 miles round trip), the weight of the rei co-op flash hiking boots didn’t bother me.
Traction
Colchuck Lake trail is known to be one of the rockiest trails in Washington. I was thankful that the REI Co-op Flash Hiking Boots worked well with the nonstop rocks and high elevation gain. This was especially true when going downhill, which is usually my least favorite part of the hike. Most of the time, I have trouble, and I slip or fall on trails, but the REI Co-op Flash Hiking Boots prevented this while hiking Colchuck Lake.
Water Resistance
There are streams and rivers all over Washington, and I was able to test out how waterproof the shoes were. Even though I walked through countless streams, my socks stayed nice and dry. So I submerged them in a shallow river to test them out, and yup, my socks were still dry!
When hiking shoes are waterproof, there can be some problems with breathability. This usually leads to blisters because your feet start to sweat when hiking. I luckily didn’t get any blisters on my feet the whole time I was testing out the shoes, which means that the shoes are waterproof yet breathable. This is a huge plus!
Durability
After putting the boots through hell on those 4 hikes (I am not the most graceful hiker), the shoes still looked in pretty good condition. There were no major scratches, no major peeling, and the fabric looks fine.
Comfort
The rei co-op flash hiking boots will need to be broken into. Like most hiking boots, it is recommended to use them around town, at home, or on leisure walks before going on a difficult hike.
They are stiff at first, but they eventually mold to your feet. I do like that there is room in the toe box. I ordered half a size over my regular shoe size (i am usually a size 7 and got a size 7.5), and it fit just fine. I had no problems with my feet swelling or my toenails feeling uncomfortable.
Support
My ankles usually bend like crazy after hiking many miles, and it definitely happened to me while hiking Colchuck Lake. Luckily, the REI Co-op Flash Hiking Boots was able to help prevent any major damage to my ankle when it bent(I have injured my ankle this past year while hiking while wearing other boots). I was pretty happy with the ankle support the REI Co-op Flash Hiking Boots gave me.
The boots’ insoles felt pretty supportive, but I know that this could be different for others. I have high arch feet, and the insoles felt perfect for me.
Value
I have reviewed and bought many hiking boots throughout the years, and the REI Co-op Flash Hiking Boots is the most inexpensive boots I have had on hand. I always love that REI Co-op makes its products available to everyone while still maintaining good quality. The cost for the boots ($130) is a great price, especially for budget buyers and new hikers.
REI Co-op Flash Hiking Boots Appearance
The REI Co-op Flash Hiking Boots comes in three colors; Bark/Moss, Granite Black, and Smoke/Lilac. I picked the Smoke Lilac because I usually wear more pink colors on my hikes. I really loved the Lilac color and even got compliments of the color on the trails. I love when outdoor brands make hiking apparel more attractive and fun for women! I hope REI Co-op adds even more fun colors in the future!
Style
What I loved about the REI Co-op Flash Hiking Boots is how little they resemble hiking boots. Some hiking boots can look pretty manly, rugged, and bulky. Luckily, I can pretty much wear the boots in many places, not just the trails. Hey, I am all about versatility!
The style of the shoes and the weight makes it pretty easy for me to head to the grocery store or to the mall. When it comes to hiking, looks are probably one of the least important factors (which is why I put it at the bottom), but it is nice if your shoes are versatile. Plus, I like looking cute on the trails because that is my jam and my brand!
Eco-Friendly Materials
Usually, when you think about hiking boots, you do not think about Eco Friendly. Well, my friend, the new REI Flash hiking boots are made with recycled materials. Here are some of the specs:
Membrane uses 75% recycled polyester
Upper sole is 99% recycled PET
Upper sole is also 30% recycled TPU
TerraGrip rubber is 20% recycled
As someone who loves the outdoors, I am always so excited to hear when outdoor brands use eco-friendly materials, which is a huge plus. Read more on the recycled materials they use here
Conclusion
Thanks for reading all about the new REI Co-op Flash Hiking Boots! Let me know if you have any questions and make sure you check out some of my other hiking posts:
Recreational Equipment, Inc., generally known as REI, is an American retail and outside amusement administrations enterprise. It is coordinated as a shoppers’ co-usable. REI sells setting up camp stuff, climbing, climbing, cycling, water, running, wellness, snow, travel hardware, and men, ladies and children clothing. It additionally offers administrations like open air arranged excursions and courses.
REI works 165 retail locations in 39 states. It additionally gets orders by means of mail-request lists and the web.
Lloyd and Mary Anderson established REI in Seattle, Washington in 1938. The Andersons imported an Akadem Pickel ice hatchet from Austria for themselves as a feature of The Mountain dwellers Fundamental Getting over Course, and chose to set up a co-usable to assist other outside fans in the club with obtaining great quality getting over gear at sensible costs. On June 23, 1938, with the assistance from Seattle lawyer Ed Rombauer, five Mountain dwellers met at Rombauer’s office, and each paid one dollar to join Sporting Gear Agreeable.
During the principal year, Sporting Hardware was just a rack at the Puget Sound Helpful Store, a rancher’s center close to Pike Spot Market in Seattle. In 1942, Lloyd moved to another space a few doors down from The Mountain dwellers club rooms on Pike Road. Jim Whittaker, the principal American to highest point Mount Everest (in 1963), was recruited as the primary full-time representative of REI on July 25, 1955. In 1956, Sporting Hardware Agreeable was consolidated. Whittaker filled in as Chief during the 1960s and was an early board part with American Elevated Club president Nicholas Secure. At the point when Whittaker climbed Mount Everest, it gave REI such an excess of free promoting that the next year, 1964, its gross pay beat $1mil interestingly.
Through the 1970s, it distinguished itself noticeably as REI Center, zeroing in fundamentally on hardware for serious climbers, explorers, and mountaineering endeavors.
No U.S. retailer has promoted the open air and experience travel spaces like REI. In the States, city occupants need to come to depend on it as a one-stop supplier for climbing, setting up camp, bicycling, rowing, strolling the canine, or taking the children to the recreation area. That is thanks to a great extent to REI’s monstrous choice of the best outside dress brands from Patagonia and The North Face to MSR and Arc’teryx.
However, its in-house gear brand, REI Co-Op, tends to fly under the radar, compared to its brand-name counterparts. That’s a shame because many of its own products offer the same great quality and features, plus a fantastic “satisfaction guaranteed” return policy for significantly less than elsewhere. Let’s take a look at everything you should know about REI Co-Op outdoor gear and why you might want to consider the brand for your next gear-up.
What Is REI Co-Op?
REI Co-Op is REI’s own brand of outdoor gear. Its history dates back to 1938, so the company has more than eight decades of field-testing under its belt. At its core, REI promises “gear born from and built for an outdoor life — part of experiences that transform lives.” Most importantly, however, it’s built to be affordable. In the company’s own words, it’s designing outdoor gear and apparel to “break down barriers like cost, activity level, and sizing to get everyone outside.” The bottom line: It’s billed as a more accessible alternative to high-end (and high-priced) outdoor gear, but with the same quality and innovation.
What’s the Price Range of REI Co-Op Gear?
As we said, affordability is one of REI Co-Op’s best selling points. To be sure, it’s pricier than the sort of bargain-basement off-brand gear you might find at, say, Walmart, but often less than more recognizable brands. However, the quality is surprisingly on-par or better than many of those brands. In most cases, the technical innovation and feature set are comparable, too.
What Are the Most Popular REI Co-Op Outdoor Products?
The REI Co-Op catalog runs deep with nearly 1,000 products in total. You’ll find essentials like socks, water bottles, and duffel bags. But, the selection of gear extends well beyond the basics to include everything from hiking boots and expedition tents to backpacks and luggage. The most popular REI Co-Op products include its tents, which deliver some of the best bang-for-your-buck value of any camping tents on the market. Its Half Done and Base Camp tent lines, for example, frequently receive four-star-plus reviews from customers and countless outdoor gear review websites. REI Co-Op sleeping bags like those in the Trailbreak line are similarly well-reviewed. The self-branded line also includes great outerwear options like rain shells and down jackets for men and women. Of course, the best part is that these often cost less than most premium brand-name alternatives.
What’s the Return Policy for REI Co-Op Products?
REI’s generous return policy applies to anything from any brand bought at its stores. For new products (not including outdoor electronics), the company guarantees, “If you’re not satisfied with your REI purchase, you can return it for a replacement or refund within one year of purchase.” That’s already better than almost any retailer. But, in our experience, it tends to go the extra mile to back its own REI Co-Op products. Stories abound of the store accepting returns on years-old products that prematurely failed or that regular customers weren’t happy with. (These stories are anecdotal, of course, so don’t quote us.) Just know that REI really does stand behind its products and typically bends over backward to keep customers happy. This is especially true for REI Co-Op members.
Should I Get an REI Membership?
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker going off the grid for a few days or an outdoors enthusiast prepping for the occasional winter hike, you can probably find whatever it is you’re looking for at REI. If the cashiers consider you a regular, you’re already in the know—and you’ve probably considered investing in an REI Co-op membership, which gives frequent shoppers a chance to earn back a percentage of what they spend at the end of the year.
Even though the REI Co-op recently increased the cost of its membership, it still remains a modest price of admission: A lifetime membership is just $30. (If you’re already a co-op member, you’ll be grandfathered in to the new program.) And as long as you spend at least $10 a year on qualifying purchases, you’ll earn 10 percent back in annual dividends, plus you’ll get access to member-only discounts during special in-store events, and in some cases, free shipping. You can choose to either apply your dividends (issued yearly in March) toward REI purchases or receive them as cash in your pocket. And as of March 2, 2022, members will now receive even more benefits, including free shipping on most purchases and exclusive access to new and limited-edition gear.
At face value, signing up seems like a no-brainer—but whether the Co-op membership makes sense for you depends on how you shop and what you shop for.
What are your shopping habits?
If you’re an REI regular who normally pays full price, you’ll squeeze the most out of the membership benefits. Bargain hunters won’t get money back at the end of the year, though, since you can’t earn dividends on sale or clearance items. REI Outlet purchases don’t qualify for dividends either.
Will you use the exclusives?
An REI membership comes with a handful of exclusive perks that only Co-op members can take advantage of, many of which have been recently introduced. For instance, members now have the opportunity to save 20% on REI’s bike and snow shop services, plus free flat tire repair and machine wax. These savings make a membership especially attractive to bikers, skiers, and snowboarders alike.
Members receive special pricing on Co-op Experiences, though dividends can’t be applied to trips or to classes at the REI Outdoor School. If you plan to take advantage of the discounts on REI Adventures, signing up would be advantageous even if you only shop the sale section (thus forgoing dividends). Instead of collecting dividends, you’ll save on the total price of your trip—and then some. For instance, members can get a discount of up to 57 percent off their lift tickets at select ski resorts (there are about 60 locations to choose from); at some resorts, that represents more than $100 in savings.
Previously, REI stores hosted an annual garage sale—available only to co-op members—featuring returned items at bargain prices, but the company has recently renamed the initiative Re/Supply. The program, available only to co-op members who want to trade in used gear, is similar to Garage Sale but instead of yearly sales, members will have the ability to buy used year-round. In-store trade-ins are available at a few brick and mortar locations—with more to come—but members around the country can send in their used gear in exchange for an REI gift card.
Members also get exclusive access to the Member Collection, which includes early access to new gear, limited edition gear, special offers, and access to one-of-a-kind brand collabs.
Are you planning to make just one big purchase?
There are some instances in which signing up for the Co-op membership can be beneficial even if you never again set foot in an REI (or surf the site) after your first purchase. If you’re in the market for pricier gear—like a GPS running watch or a canopy tent that fits the whole family—becoming a member is definitely worth it. Take the Garmin Forerunner 645 running watch, for example: If you buy the watch at its full price of $400, you’ll earn 10 percent ($40) back in dividends at the end of the year. Sure, you’ll net only $20—but that’s $20 more than you had before, and no one can argue against free money.
How often do you shop online?
Until recently, REI’s spending threshold for free shipping was at least $50, which made shopping online less economical for folks who weren’t able to shop at brick-and-mortar stores. But REI is now offering members free shipping for most items, which makes a membership even more enticing for those making small purchases online. You might still be charged separate handling fees for larger, bulkier items—so you may still want to opt for in-store pickup if possible to avoid paying more on those purchases.
Are you a brand loyalist?
You may second-guess an REI membership even if you’re constantly shopping for outdoor gear. Just because you’re an outdoors enthusiast doesn’t mean you have to buy from REI—competitors like Amazon, Backcountry, and Moosejaw often match REI’s sale pricing, even that of its member-only sales. With that in mind, having exclusive access to REI discounts thanks to your Co-op membership doesn’t mean much, especially if your order is ineligible for dividends and free shipping.
But brand loyalty is a very real thing, and for many shoppers, REI is an upstanding retailer that donates a percentage of its earnings to various nonprofits. The company has recently announced that it’ll be donating $5 for every lifetime membership purchase to the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a public charity that donates to nonprofits that promote justice, equality, and belonging in the outdoors So if you find yourself choosing REI over and over again—even though other retailers might offer better sales—a Co-op membership probably makes sense for you. This is especially true if you have a particular penchant for REI-branded gear—Wirecutter certainly has a few favorites.
