REI to Open a Store in Marina, California

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to open a store in Marina, California in the fall of 2007 at University Village, a new mixed-use development.

The one-story 26,000 square-foot store, located off of Highway 1 and north of Monterey, will employ about 55 full- and part-time staff. The store will provide top outdoor brands of outdoor gear and clothing for camping, climbing, cycling, paddling, hiking, travel and snow sports, including REI’s own line of award-winning gear and apparel.

“We look forward to opening our store in Marina later this year and becoming an engaged member of the community,” said Tim Spangler, REI’s retail regional vice president for the west region. “Through our efforts to increase outdoor recreation participation levels, we also work to inspire the responsible use of the outdoors, and protect and enhance shared spaces for the enjoyment of future generations.”

While anyone may shop at REI, members pay a one-time $15 fee and receive a share in the company’s profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. Earlier this year, the co-op returned $58 million to its members through the refund. REI has more than 2,600 active members within a 15-mile radius around REI’s store. The nearest REI store to the new Marina location is the co-op’s store in Saratoga.

REI’s first California store opened in Berkeley in 1975, and to date the company operates 22 stores in the state.

REI is known for knowledgeable employees who help select the right gear and offer information and useful tips on how to achieve a great outdoor experience. A gear rental department encourages customers to try new outdoor activities. Internet kiosks within the store provide access to REI.com and REI-OUTLET.com for product information and to order products not currently in stock. More than half of online customers choose REI Store Pickup, a service that allows customers to pick up online purchases at a store without a shipping charge.

REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions. In 2006 REI supported 77 conservation and outdoor recreation nonprofit organizations in California. REI provided grant support to several groups that work in the Marina region, including Coastal Watershed Council, Coast Walk and Responsible Organized Mountain Peddlers.

Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is an outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure. REI operates 89 stores in 25 states, two online stores – REI.com and REI-OUTLET.com – and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. For 10 consecutive years, REI has been recognized by FORTUNE magazine as one of “100 Best Companies to Work for in America.” In 2007, the company ranked 27th overall and first among companies that encourage employees to balance work and personal lives. For information about employment opportunities with the co-op, visit www.rei.com/jobs.