REI to Open First Store in Kansas Next Year in Overland Park

News provided by

Jul 10, 2012, 11:05 ET

SEATTLE, July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), a national retailer providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, will outfit outdoor enthusiasts through a new store in Overland Park, Kan., its first in the state, in the fall of 2013.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120306/SF65403LOGO)

REI Overland Park will be located at the intersection of West 135th Street and Lamar Avenue at Prairiefire at Lionsgate. The 23,500 square-foot store will sell the top brands of gear and apparel for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling and travel, including REI's award-winning REI brand and Novara bike products. The new store will offer a bike shop with expert assembly and repair services, and a seasonal gear rental department for customers to test new outdoor activities.

"REI Overland Park will bring our wide range of gear and apparel to customers who have previously purchased products online or by traveling long distances to other REI locations," said Michelle Yancy, REI retail director for the Midwest district. "From biking and hiking to yoga and travel, we look forward to introducing our expertise and programs to adventurers in the Kansas City area."

REI will hire 50 to 60 new employees for the new store. Candidates who share a passion for the outdoors and a commitment to quality customer service can apply online at www.rei.com/jobs approximately three months before the opening. For 15 consecutive years, REI has been recognized as one of FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For," receiving its highest ranking ever at number eight in 2012.

While anyone may shop with REI, the company is the nation's largest consumer cooperative with 4.7 million active members. There are currently 6,700 active members in the Kansas City area, and nearly 3,700 active members within 15 miles of the new store. REI members pay a one-time $20 fee and receive a share in the company's profits through an annual member refund, and discounts on gear rentals, REI Adventures trips and REI Outdoor School classes.

The company is dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. By partnering with nonprofit organizations, REI offers volunteer programs to restore and maintain local trails, parks and waterways in each of its communities. REI Overland Park will engage in similar partnerships in the Kansas City community, in addition to hosting outdoor-related classes, presentations and events through the store's community room.

REI operates 123 retail stores in 30 states and two online stores: rei.com and REI-OUTLET.com. New stores will open in San Antonio, Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio, Woodbridge, Va. and Medford, Ore. this fall. The company's nearest location to Overland Park, Kan. is in St. Louis. Mo.

About REI
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.

SOURCE REI