REI Announces Major Expansion: Ten New Stores Set to Open in 2024

Popular outdoor retailer REI has announced its intention to open ten new stores in 2024 in an effort to increase its accessibility and market share among outdoor enthusiasts. (Photo: National Retail Federation)

Outdoor Retailer REI to Add New Locations Amid Closure of Some Stores Last Year

Popular outdoor retailer REI has announced its intention to open ten new stores in 2024 in an effort to increase its accessibility and market share among outdoor enthusiasts. Following the closure of a number of its locations last year, this substantive expansion has ensued. Recreational Equipment, Inc. (the co-op) is actively striving to expand its product line to include a greater variety of outdoor-oriented and sporting goods.

It is crucial to acknowledge that REI encountered difficulties in 2023, most notably the closure of its Portland, Oregon branch on account of safety apprehensions associated with criminal activity, amidst the jubilant attention surrounding the inauguration of new locations. In contrast, REI demonstrates its dedication to serving outdoor devotees nationwide through the declaration of ten additional openings for 2024 and the finalization of two more for 2025.

The new locations are set to be spread across at least eight states, with detailed plans for the initial nine out of the twelve new spots already announced on the store’s website. These locations include Beaverton, Oregon; Beavercreek, Ohio; Glendale, Arizona; Ithaca, New York; Rancho Mirage, California, and others, providing a wide geographic coverage of the new store openings.

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However, as the company is moving forward with expansion, some disruptions have been experienced by its members with the closure of certain existing stores. Notably, the REI store in Portland is set to shut its doors permanently on February 1, following an earlier announcement, and the Santa Monica, California spot will close on February 29, 2024. This demonstrates the dynamic nature of the retail landscape as companies strive to adapt to changing market conditions.

These developments within REI mirror changes seen across the outdoor retail sector, with competitors such as Woolrich and Champ Sports also announcing store closures, indicating a wider trend in the industry. As REI moves forward with its expansion plans, it aims to continue providing high-quality outdoor gear and equipment to outdoor enthusiasts across the United States, cementing its position as a leading retailer in the industry.

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