REI Treks into Fairbanks, Alaska in the Spring of 2014

National Outdoor Retailer to Open Second Alaska Location

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Dec 10, 2013, 01:00 ET

SEATTLE, Dec. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning in the spring of 2014, Alaskans can gear up for their outdoor adventures at a new REI location in Fairbanks, Alaska. The 30,000 square foot store will be located at the southwest corner of Old Steese Highway and College Avenue.

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REI is the nation's leading outdoor retailer with the top brands of camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel products. The new Fairbanks store will house a bike shop, and ski and snowboard shop to offer expert assembly and repair services, and host free in-store classes.

"Whether hiking, skiing or practicing yoga, Alaskans are some of the most active people in the country," said Kevin Golic, REI retail director for the Washington and Alaska district. "REI is honored to join the Fairbanks community and help outfit them for their adventurous lifestyles."

REI has a long history in Alaska and opened its Anchorage store in 1979.

With 132 stores and 5.1 million active members, REI is the nation's largest consumer cooperative. Anyone may shop with REI, but members pay a one-time $20 fee to receive a share in profits through an annual member refund. Members also receive discounts on REI Outdoor School and in-store classes, and REI Adventures trips.

REI will hire approximately 50 new employees for its new Fairbanks store. Interested candidates can sign up online to be notified when REI begins accepting applications. Employees receive a variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions. For 16 consecutive years, REI has been recognized as one of FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For." The company is currently number 17 on the 2013 list.

REI's mission is to inspire, educate and outfit its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. As part of this work, the retailer partners with local nonprofits across the country that restore and maintain well-known trails, parks and waterways.

In the past ten years, REI has supported Anchorage-area nonprofits and recreational places through 50 grants totaling $320,000. The 2013 grant recipients include Alaska Geographic, Friends of Eagle River Nature Center and Singletrack Advocates. Additional information is available on REI.com/stewardship.

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 133 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