REI Expands in the Peach and Garden States in the Spring of 2015

New Locations include Alpharetta, Georgia and Princeton, New Jersey

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Jul 01, 2014, 11:15 ET

SEATTLE, July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- REI will set up camp in two new locations next spring. The national outdoor retailer will open in Princeton, New Jersey and extend its presence in Atlanta with a store in Alpharetta, Georgia.

In Princeton, the 23,500 square foot store will be located at Mercer Mall. Positioned at Mansell Crossing at the northwest corner of North Point Parkway and Mansell Road, the REI store in Alpharetta will be more than 24,000 square feet. Both stores will offer the top brands of outdoor gear and apparel for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling and travel.

"Through our wide range of quality products, knowledgeable employees and motivating outdoor programs, we take great pride in partnering with outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities and interests to help them play in nature," said Greg Medlyn, REI's divisional vice president of Retail. "These two new locations give us the unique opportunity to connect our offerings to more customers and members in the greater Atlanta, Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York areas."

Leader in Outdoor Education and Services
In all stores, REI Outdoor School instructors host free and low-cost outdoor classes on a variety of topics, including camping essentials and bike maintenance. In larger REI markets, such as Atlanta and New York, professional guides lead classes and trips in local recreation destinations. Some examples include Learn to Stand up Paddleboard, How to Ride a Bike and Backcountry Navigation with a Map and Compass. In addition, REI bike shops provide expert assembly and repairs.

Nation's Largest Consumer Cooperative
REI has 5.1 million active members and 135 stores. Anyone may shop with REI, but members pay a one-time $20 fee to receive a share in the company's profits through an annual member refund. REI membership also includes special promotions, and discounts on REI Adventures trips and REI Outdoor School classes.

The Alpharetta store joins four Atlanta-area REI locations in outfitting 139,000 members for their outdoor adventures. The retailer opened its original Atlanta store on Northeast Expressway in 1990. REI Princeton will help the company better serve members residing between Philadelphia and New York, including 4,900 members within 15 miles of the new store.

Partner in Every Community
In each of its communities, REI supports nonprofit programs to restore or maintain popular trails, parks and waterways. Recently, the retailer granted $80,000 to eight organizations in Atlanta to help preserve outdoor places, including the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership, Friends of Georgia State Parks and The Georgia Conservancy. In Philadelphia, three grants totaling $30,000 support natural areas enjoyed by many. With the store in Princeton, REI will expand its partnerships to the surrounding areas.

Join a Great Company
REI will hire approximately 50 employees for the new stores. Interested candidates can sign up online to be notified when the retailer begins accepting applications for its Princeton and Alpharetta stores. Employees receive a variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions. For 17 consecutive years, the company has been recognized as one of FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For."

About REI
REI is a $2 billion national multichannel retail co-op headquartered outside of Seattle. With more than five million active members, REI serves the needs of outdoor adventurers through innovative, quality products; inspiring classes and trips; and integrated customer service that allows shoppers to buy great gear and clothing in any way they want. REI has 135 stores in 33 states and REI.com and REI.com/outlet. Anyone may shop with REI, while members pay a one-time $20 fee to receive a share in the company's profits through an annual member refund based on patronage. Membership in the co-op also includes special promotions and discounts on REI Adventures trips and REI Outdoor School classes.

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SOURCE REI