They offered the position, I accepted, I quit my existing job, and the day before I was to begin, they withdrew the offer!!! It seems that legally they have no liabilities, since all this happened through a staffing agency.
I was interviewed originally in October 2011 and the job was offered to another candidate. In January I was called by the staffing agency and informed that the hiring manager has asked for me and requests a final phone interview to make an offer for a 4 month long contract. I spoke with the hiring manager and told her that I was on a long term contract with another company, however I would resign and join REI because it was my #1 target employer to work for. My references were checked, REI made the offer and I was supposed to begin on Monday. I resigned from my other position, which BTW did pay more. On Friday prior to start of my contract, at 3: REI contacted the staffing agency claiming that an internal person has put a stop on my hiring and that they are withdrawing the offer.
So, here I am, NO JOB!! Thank you REI for being such a good employer!