Originally Posted by
American Euchre
You are referring to theoretical possibilities rather than practical real world liabilities. If if ever came to that point, REI would be free to change their policy to something more restrictive.
FYI, when REI changed their return policy from forever to one year, their announcement had some fine print stating that things people had already bought from them were covered under the old policy. As people are saying, it's a contract, people had done their part (made a purchase) under the old rules, and REI would hold up their end (return policy). It sounds generous but was probably a legal obligation.
(It was a big deal on a local hiking forum.)