REI to Set up Camp at Keizer Station in the Spring of 2014

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Oct 09, 2013, 11:05 ET

SEATTLE, Oct. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Outdoor enthusiasts in Salem, Ore. can gear up for their next adventure at a new REI store opening at Keizer Station this coming spring.

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The 22,000 square-foot store will sell the top brands of outdoor gear and apparel for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling and travel. REI Salem-Keizer will offer professional assembly and repair services through its bike shop, and further extend the retailer's commitment to outdoor education through its classes and presentations.

"REI prides itself on expert employees and quality products that enhance anyone's trip into the great outdoors," said Kevin House, REI retail director for the Sierra-Cascade district. "The new store at Keizer Station will extend our services and product expertise to 13,300 eager and loyal members in Salem, who previously traveled more than 30 miles to shop at an REI store."

REI Salem-Keizer will join stores in Clackamas, Hillsboro, Portland and Tualatin in serving 216,000 active members in the greater Portland area. The retailer first opened a store in Portland in 1976 and relocated to its current location in the Pearl District in 2004.

The company partners with local nonprofits that restore and maintain well-known trails, parks and waterways in each of the communities where it has retail stores. This year, REI granted a total of $65,000 to six Portland-area organizations to support the stewardship of local outdoor places. Grant recipients included Friends of Trees, Forest Park Conservancy and Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve.

REI will hire approximately 50 employees for the new store. Beginning early next year, interested candidates can apply online at rei.jobs. Employees receive a variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions. The retailer is currently number 17 on FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" and has been recognized for 16 consecutive years.

Based in Seattle, REI is the nation's largest consumer cooperative with 5.1 million active members. Anyone may shop with REI, but members pay a one-time $20 fee to receive a share in profits through an annual member refund. Additional member benefits include discounts on REI Adventures trips and REI Outdoor School field and in-store classes.

About REI

REI is a $2 billion national multichannel retail co-op headquartered outside of Seattle. With more than 5 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 132 stores in 33 states, as well as REI.com and REI.com/outlet. This year REI will invest $3 million in local communities to help care for outdoor spaces.

SOURCE REI