REI Co-op opens new store in San Luis Obispo on October 25, invests $20,000 in local outdoor community

Co-op’s new location on California’s central coast will offer top-quality outdoor gear, expertise and experiences

Oct 14, 2019

SEATTLE – REI Co-op will open its new store in San Luis Obispo on October 25 offering a wide assortment of quality outdoor gear, equipment rentals, experiences and expertise. Located at the SLO Promenade, REI’s new 22,000-square-foot store will bring quality outdoor gear, experiences and expertise to California’s central coast. REI San Luis Obispo will also offer personal outfitting services that allow customers to connect with REI experts to get the gear they need for their next adventure.

“San Luis Obispo is an incredible outdoor community and we look forward to connecting our local members to the outdoor places and activities they love,” said Michael Caponio, REI San Luis Obispo store manager. “Whether it’s biking, hiking, paddling or camping, we’ll offer the best gear and expertise to enjoy the outdoors, while investing in the outdoor spaces that make this community special.”

In addition to outdoor gear, REI San Luis Obispo will also offer a range of programs to connect people to a life outdoors. A national leader in outdoor experiences and education, last year, the co-op helped more than 350,000 people across the country get outside and be inspired to lead an active lifestyle through a wide range of classes, tours and events. Upcoming programs in San Luis Obispo include Trailside Bike Repair Workshop, Map and Compass Navigation Basics Class and Gourmet Camp Cooking Workshop.

As a member-owned co-op, REI is heavily focused on giving back to the communities it serves. In 2018, REI invested over $900,000 in outdoor nonprofits in California to steward local trails and public lands, and connect people to the outdoors. To celebrate the new store, REI is investing a total of $20,000 in two local nonprofits: The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo and the Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers (CCMB). Funds provided to The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo will support conservation and preservation work along trails at the Pismo Preserve, and CCMB will use funding to support trail improvements and reroutes across San Luis Obispo County.

REI San Luis Obispo is hosting a grand opening event with free public activities and giveaways October 25-27:

  • Shop early, get rewards: The first 250 people (age 18 and up) through the door on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will receive a limited-edition water bottle with a $10, $50 or $100 REI gift card inside. Doors open at 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
  • Afternoon social: Starting at 3 p.m. each day, REI San Luis Obispo will host a party in the parking lot with free food, music and games. Vendors will also be onsite offering exclusive giveaways and demonstrations. Events end at 6 p.m. each day.

REI San Luis Obispo marks the co-op's first location along California’s central coast. REI opened its first store in California – and the second store in its 81-year history – in Berkeley in 1975. REI San Luis Obispo marks the co-op's 29th store in the state.

Store facts:

  • Address: 313 Madonna Road, Suite B
  • Square footage: 22,000 square feet
  • Special features: Personal outfitting; outdoor programs
  • Number of employees: 44
  • REI Co-op membership: Over 4 million lifetime co-op members in California

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.