Seattle—Outdoor apparel and gear cataloger/retailer Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) has reported record midyear sales of $55 million for its direct sales division, a 55% increase over the same period last year and ahead of the company’s projections. The company credits the increase in sales at least in part to the success of its Website, which launched in 1996. In fiscal 2000, online sales grew 125% to $92 million, up from $41 million in 1999.