VALS

Wow, I must admit whenever I took the survey it was going to be inaccurate. Apparently, I am an experiencer, and my second choice, was a striver. I definitely consider myself to be an individual and one who loves fashion. This is one of the reasons I am in CARS department. I can't deny that I'm usually grabbing that candy bar, or candy at the register when checking out too. So yes I am some what of an impulse buyer. Although I am not at the status I want to be in life, I will one day be there. So that will be all the more of a reason to continue to "keep up with the Jones' ". Fashion is a way I like to express myself, and for the most part it makes me happy. I do care what people think of me to a certain degree. I feel that a positive image is important to maintain. You have to make a difference in life, and what better way to do that than be true to yourself. Although, the way the VALS segment explains the experiencer as being a little shallow; I will agree with the survey. Shallowness is definitely not an attribute I'd like to brag about.
As for the target market for REI, I don't believe their description goes along with my survey. The retailer our group presented was for a male or female into sporting and outdoor adventures. It's clear that this type of group would definitely be the "Makers". Whenever I think of fishing and outdoors, fashion and trendsetting does not come to mind. I believe those individuals who are in touch with outdoors are more in tuned with things that aren't as demanding on their lifestyles. "Experiencers" and "Strivers" can't comapre to "Makers" they are two different types of individuals, and probably don't share interest when making purchases.