SEATTLE, 2016-Oct-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — This spring, REI members in Maricopa County will have a new co-op store when REI Tempe relocates to the Chandler Pavilions shopping center—approximately five miles south of the existing location. This new store will offer a larger selection of gear and convenient access to outdoor places to the nearly 25,000 local co-op members and 110,000 members throughout the state.
“The local outdoor community has grown immensely since we first opened this store more than three decades ago, so we’re thrilled to give our customers and members a new, larger store for easier access to our gear and expertise,” said store manager Robert Ford. “Combined with three other stores throughout the state and our new distribution center in Goodyear, we look forward to being a bigger part of this community.”
The new 25,000 square foot store will carry the best gear and apparel for the most popular outdoor activities in Arizona, including hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. The store will continue to offer expert advice from the team of local inspired guides, provide educational opportunities as well as experiences through REI Outdoor School, and support the outdoor community.
Since the Tempe store was the co-op’s first location in the Southwest region in 1986, REI has long supported nonprofits that increase sustainable access to Arizona’s beloved outdoor places. So far in 2016, the co-op has invested $75,000 in six nonprofits throughout the state, which includes three organizations working in the Phoenix area—Arizona Trail Association, Desert Foothills Mountain Bike Association and Maricopa Trail and Park Foundation.
The co-op also opened its newest distribution center in Goodyear, Arizona in July. The facility produces all of its own energy and is pursuing a LEED Platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. REI has invested in a portfolio of river restoration projects to balance the building’s water footprint. In partnership with The Nature Conservancy of Arizona, Friends of Verde River Greenway and Change the Course, the projects at the Verde River include modernizing irrigation infrastructure to reduce water use and help enhance stream flows, funding stewardship projects to protect farmland and limit development and new water extraction in critical areas, removing invasive plants to help restore river habitat, and enhancing recreational access.
About REI
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of more than 6 million active members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 146 stores in 35 states. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI.com/REI-Garage or the free REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. You can take the trip of a lifetime with REI Adventures, a global leader in active adventure travel that runs 150 custom-designed itineraries on every continent. REI’s Outdoor School is run by professionally-trained, expert-instructors who teach beginner- to advanced-level courses about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to–and steward–the outdoor places that inspire us.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
REI Public Affairs
(253) 395-5958
prrequests@rei.com
Source: REI