REI to Outfit East Bay Outdoor Enthusiasts Through New Store in Brentw

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to open a store in Brentwood, Calif. in 2009.

Known for broad product offerings and knowledgeable employees, REI plans to locate the 26,000 square-foot store at The Streets of Brentwood lifestyle center. With more than 7,000 co-op members and other outdoor enthusiasts residing within 15 miles, Brentwood is near numerous recreation areas for camping, climbing, cycling, hiking and paddling in East Bay.

“Whether our members and customers are gearing up for a day hike on Mt. Diablo, or preparing to hit the slopes in Lake Tahoe, we are excited to help outfit them for their outdoor adventures,” said Julie Harris, REI retail director for the Bay Area. “We also look forward to working with local organizations to help conserve the natural spaces around Brentwood and inspire others to get outside.”

To help encourage customers to try new outdoor activities, the new store in Brentwood will feature a gear rental department, in addition to a community space that REI and local non-profit partners can utilize for classes, presentations and events.

As part of REI’s commitment to increasing access to outdoor recreation and promoting environmental stewardship, the co-op has provided financial support and/or gear donations totaling more than $65,000 to six East Bay organizations. Those partners include East Bay Regional Park District, Girls Inc. of the Island City, Northern California High School Mountain Biking Racing League, Save Mount Diablo, the Tri-Valley Community Foundation and the Watershed Project. Last year, company-wide donations exceeded $4 million and REI engaged nearly 170,000 people in 900,000 volunteer service hours.

There are currently more than 1,900 REI employees in 24 stores, which complement nearly 840,000 members within the state of California. The co-op is also set to open another location in Stonecreek Village in Stockton, Calif. in the spring of 2008. Hiring clinics for Stockton and Brentwood will occur two months prior to each store opening, with approximately 60 employees expected to be hired at each location. More information about employment opportunities is available at www.rei.com/jobs.

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.

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 operates retail stores nationwide, two online stores – http://www.rei.com and http://www.REI-OUTLET.com – and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. REI offers products from all of the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel, including its own line of award-winning outdoor gear and apparel. While anyone may join or 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. As an active supporter of the communities in which it does business, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.