Columbia Sportswear Named REI's 1999 Vendor Partner of the Year for Snow Sports Category.

Business Editors

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 2000

Columbia Sportswear Company(R) (Nasdaq:COLM) has been named Snow Sports Vendor Partner of the Year for 1999 by Recreational Equipment, Inc (REI).

"This award represents Columbia's dedication to building and sustaining successful partnerships with our retailers," said Tim Boyle, Columbia Sportswear's Chief Executive Officer. "We are grateful for this recognition and are proud to work with an outstanding retailer like REI."

Columbia was selected over many other companies and was evaluated by REI management and employees using six criteria: achievement of measurable results, emphasis on product quality, demonstration of industry involvement and leadership, a shared commitment to good corporate citizenship, exceptional retail support, and extra partnership building skills.

REI started the award program in 1993 and each year recognizes one top vendor in each of the retailer's specialty shops: Camping, Climbing, Cycling, Outdoorwear, Paddling, Outdoor Accessories and Snow Sports. One of the seven honorees is also chosen as the overall Vendor Partner of the Year.

This is the third year that Columbia has received honors in REI's Vendor Partner of the Year awards. In 1998, Columbia Sportswear was named overall Vendor Partner of the Year, and was also named REI's top supplier in the Snow Sports and Outdoorwear categories. In 1996, Columbia earned the retailer's Vendor Partner award in the Wintersports category.

Columbia Sportswear Company(R) is a global leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear manufacturers in the world and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the Company has developed an international reputation across an expanding product line for quality, performance, functionality and value.