REI vs ThredUp: Tone of Voice Compared
A side-by-side comparison of how REI and ThredUp communicate — tone words, language style, sentence structure, and taglines.
In short
REI and ThredUp both compete in E-commerce, but they don't sound alike. REI sounds adventurous, community, writing in adventurous language, while ThredUp sounds sustainable, smart, writing in conscious language. They share no tone words at all. REI's tagline, "A Life Outdoors Is a Life Well Lived", captures its voice; ThredUp answers with "Secondhand. First Choice.".
Voice comparison
| Dimension | REI | ThredUp |
|---|---|---|
| Tone words | Adventurous, Community | Sustainable, Smart |
| Language style | Adventurous | Conscious |
| Sentence type | Statement | Statement |
| Tense | Present | Present |
| Expression | Imaginative | Imaginative |
| Tagline | "A Life Outdoors Is a Life Well Lived" | "Secondhand. First Choice." |
What REI and ThredUp share
REI and ThredUp share no tone words. Both compete in the E-commerce sector.
Where they differ
REI leans adventurous, community. ThredUp leans sustainable, smart.
Positioning & strategy
| Dimension | REI | ThredUp |
|---|---|---|
| Brand message | Quality gear and expertise to fuel outdoor adventures | Make secondhand fashion the first choice for conscious consumers |
| Mission | Inspire, educate, and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship | Inspire a new generation of consumers to think secondhand first |
| Core concept | Outdoor Living | Sustainable Fashion |
| Core tension | Indoor vs. Outdoor | New vs. Secondhand |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is REI's tone of voice different from ThredUp's?
REI uses an adventurous, community tone with adventurous language, while ThredUp uses a sustainable, smart tone with conscious language. They share no tone words.
What is REI's tagline and what is ThredUp's tagline?
REI's tagline is "A Life Outdoors Is a Life Well Lived". ThredUp's tagline is "Secondhand. First Choice.".
Do REI and ThredUp target the same market?
Yes — both REI and ThredUp compete in the E-commerce sector, though REI focuses on outdoor retail / co-op and ThredUp on e-commerce / secondhand fashion.
Is REI or ThredUp more figurative in its messaging?
Both lean imaginative — REI and ThredUp each express themselves in a imaginative way.