REI Plans Spring Opening for New Store in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Located at Ann Arbor-Saline Road and I-94, the 26,000 square-foot store will house shops for outdoor activities that include camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling and snow sports. Additional store features include a gear rental department that will help outfit members and customers in exploring new recreational interests and a bike shop where technicians will provide quick assemblies or repairs.

“Joining the stores in Northville and Troy, Ann Arbor will allow us to better outfit the 48,000 active REI members in Southeast Michigan for their outdoor adventures,” said Janet Hopkins, retail regional vice president for REI. “We look forward to continuing our work with the community to help protect the places where we all enjoy recreating and get more people outside.”

REI is dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and customers for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. As part of that commitment, the co-op works with non-profit partners in the communities where it operates to involve more individuals and groups in outdoor recreational activities and volunteer opportunities. Local non-profit organizations and REI employees can also utilize the store’s community space for classes, presentations and events.

In the past two years, REI has awarded more than $100,000 in financial and/or gear donations to numerous non-profit organizations in Michigan whose missions focus on conservation efforts or inspiring and increasing access to outdoor recreation. One of those organizations is the Huron River Watershed Council that received support from REI to help attract more families and children to participate in its river monitoring program. Protecting areas around the Huron River basin, this program teaches Michigan residents how their actions affect the fresh water system in their region. Other REI non-profit partners include the Friends of Maybury State Park, the Michigan Mountain Biking Association and Trips for Kids®.

For the Ann Arbor store, REI will recruit more than 50 employees who share a passion for the outdoors and quality customer service. Hiring clinics will occur approximately two months prior to the store’s opening. More information about employment opportunities is available at www.rei.com/jobs.
While anyone may shop at REI, members pay a one-time $20 fee and receive a share in the company’s profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. In 2007, the co-op returned $58 million to its members through the refund.

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.