REI to Outfit East Hanover, N.J. Outdoor Enthusiasts through New Store

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to open a new store in East Hanover, N.J. in the fall of 2009.

Located at Route 10 and Murray Road, the 30,000 square-foot store will offer the top brands of gear and apparel for outdoor recreation, including the co-op’s award-winning REI and Novara products. The new store will feature a bike shop where technicians will provide quick assemblies or repairs, in addition to a seasonal gear rental department to help encourage members and customers to explore new outdoor activities. REI East Hanover will be the second location in New Jersey, joining a store in Marlton, which opened in 2005.

“REI has been looking to expand our locations on the East Coast and grow our non-profit relationships to help encourage more people to be active outside,” said Anne Maleady, REI retail director for the Northeast district. “Whether individuals are looking for advice on how to begin commuting by bicycle or suggestions on close-to-home adventures for the entire family, we’re excited to help outfit the East Hanover community for their next trip into the outdoors.”

As part of its commitment to inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship, REI partners with outdoor recreation and conservation non-profits in its communities. In 2008, the co-op has provided nearly $17,000 of grant support to three New Jersey nonprofit partners in the form of gear and/or financial donations. Those organizations include Children’s Resource Center Inc., Pinelands Preservation Alliance Inc and Saddler’s Woods Conservation Association. The new East Hanover store will also feature a community room that REI and its non-profit partners can utilize for classes, presentations and events.

Hiring clinics will occur approximately three months prior to the store’s opening, where the co-op will recruit approximately 60 employees who share a passion for the outdoors and quality customer service. Known for their expertise in the products they sell, REI employees help members and customers select the right gear, apparel and advice for outdoor activities, such as camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel. More information about employment opportunities is available at www.rei.com/jobs.

REI members receive a share in the company’s profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases, in addition to special member pricing on gear rentals, shop services and trips through REI Adventures. Based on the co-op’s 2007 sales, $62.8 million was distributed to its active members through the dividend program earlier this year. More information about REI memberships is available at www.rei.com/membership.

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 $20 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.