REI Co-op opening this fall at Summit
Outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to the new REI Co-op store coming to The Summit this fall.
Filling the spot left vacant by Toys R Us, the 20,000-square-foot store will be the second Alabama location and is scheduled to open in October, just a month after REI Huntsville.
“Alabama is an exciting location for REI, and we are thrilled to bring our first two stores to the state this fall,” said Gail Kirkland, REI retail director for the South. “Birmingham is surrounded by incredible hiking, camping and biking opportunities. We look forward to investing in the local outdoor community and connecting our members to the outdoor spaces that make this area special.”
The outdoor co-op will sell gear for activities including camping, hiking, climbing, cycling, paddling, running and yoga and feature products for men, women and kids. Some of the brands available include Patagonia, The North Face, Marmot, Arc’teryx, Black Diamond, Osprey, Sorel and MSR.
In addition to offering quality outdoor gear, REI will also offer workshops to connect people to a life outdoors. Topics range from bike repair and how to pack a backpack to trail running basics and rock climbing.
A national leader in outdoor experiences, REI helped more than 375,000 people across the country get outside through classes and events last year. Their employees provide expert advice at classes and outings, store events, adventures trips and more.
Alabama makes up 52,000 of the 17 million total lifetime REI members, who pay $20 for a lifetime membership and share in the company’s profits through an annual dividend. The co-op gives back nearly 70 percent of its profits each year to the outdoor community.
In 2018, REI invested $8.8 million in 400 nonprofit organizations across the country. Prior to the store opening, REI plans to invest in Alabama’s outdoor community, working with local nonprofits to steward and maintain local trails and public lands.
“Over the last eight years in Birmingham, more than 100 miles of trails have been implemented, from the iconic Rotary Trail to the Red Rock Trail System and beyond. Birmingham is a very active community that will greatly benefit from the addition of REI to The Summit,” said Krista Wood, leasing manager at Bayer Properties.
The new Birmingham location will bring around 50 jobs. REI, with company headquarters is near Seattle, has been one of Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” for 22 consecutive years.
In addition to their stores, REI Adventures is a global leader in active adventure travel that features more than 170 custom-designed itineraries worldwide. Their Outdoor School is taught by professionally trained instructors and offers beginner to advanced level courses on a wide range of activities. To learn more about REI, visit rei.com.
REI is just one of nine other stores heading to the Summit in 2019. UNTUCKit and Anthony Vince Nail Spa have already opened. Still to come are Molly Green, Sephora’s remodeled location, Tempur-Pedic, Woodhouse Day Spa, Ulta, Mobley & Sons and a remodeled Bath & Body Works.