REI to open new store in Virginia
Outdoor gear and apparel retailer REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc) plans to open a new store in Woodbridge, Virginia, in spring 2012.
The two-story, 2,323 square metre store will offer the top brands of equipment and apparel for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel products. The store will also house a bike shop for quick assemblies and repairs, and a seasonal equipment rental department, allowing customers to attempt new activities. In addition to this, there will be a community space for REI and its local partners to hold outdoor-related classes, presentations and events.
“REI currently serves more than 145,000 members in the DC area and has 18,500 members within 15 miles of the new Woodbridge store,” said Anne Maleady, REI retail director for the Northeast district. “We look forward to strengthening our relationships with outdoor groups and non-profits in Northern Virginia to increase the number of people recreating in the outdoors and enhancing local outdoor places.” Each year, REI supports non-profit organizations that help people experience and restore the outdoors through its locally driven grants program. In 2010, the company provided $3.7 million of grant support to non-profits nationwide, including 12 organizations in Washington, D.C. The new store will join REI’s 114 other US retail stores.
