REI Co-op set to open new store in Cambridge, Massachusetts

REI Co-op is celebrating the opening of its Cambridge location, the first-of-its-kind small format neighborhood store, offering a curated assortment of outdoor gear for people who. Located within the Cambridge Crossing development, the 6,500 square foot store will also feature a bike shop and a gathering space where customers can partner with REI's local staff to dream, discover and plan their next outdoor adventure.

REI Cambridge officially opens on Friday, October 1. REI members and the community are invited to join the three-day grand opening celebration. The store will open each morning at 11 a.m. with giveaways while supplies last. Throughout the weekend, REI will host an outdoor social from 2 to 6 p.m. each afternoon. Attendees can visit with outdoor gear vendors and local nonprofit partners for giveaways and to learn about ways to spend more time outside within the local community.

"We're looking forward to opening our doors to the Cambridge and Cambridge Crossing community," said Aly Simmons, REI Cambridge store manager. "Whether you're gearing up for a trip outside of the city, or for your daily commute by foot or on two wheels, we're here to be a resource."

REI is the country's largest consumer co-op, with nearly 579,000 members throughout Greater Boston and 20 million lifetime members across the country. While anyone is welcome to shop and tap into the company's resources in support of an active lifestyle, members enjoy a range of benefits. Perks include an online used gear trade-in program in exchange for REI gift cards; discounts on experiences, classes, rentals and shop services; a share of the co-op's annual profits based on qualifying purchases; and more.

REI Cambridge will have health and safety protocols in place designed to maintain physical distance between customers and employees. This includes:

• Limiting the number of people in store. REI Cambridge will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sundays. Customers may be asked to wait in line outside the store to ensure proper distancing.
• In accordance with the city of Cambridge emergency order, employees and customers will be required to wear face coverings while inside REI Cambridge regardless of vaccination status.
• Socially distanced queuing at store entrances, footwear, cash registers and bike and ski shop counters.
• Plexiglass shields at all registers.
• Enhanced cleaning procedures with thorough, frequent cleanings of high-touch surface areas.

REI has been part of the Massachusetts outdoor community since opening its first location in Reading in 1987. REI also has stores in Fenway, Framingham and Hingham. Recent New England store openings include North Conway, NH (opened 2019), Williston, VT (opened 2019) and Westbrook, ME (opening fall 2021).

For those not able to visit an REI store, online resources are available. Anyone may schedule virtual outfitting appointments to receive personalized, one-on-one fit services and how-to's for a wide range of activities. REI's Expert Advice library offers numerous resources for customers and members to learn new skills, choose the right gear and prepare for outdoor adventures.

In addition to its retail locations, REI offers local classes and guided day trips in the local area. As a national leader in outdoor experiences, the co-op helps more than 350,000 people across the country get outside each year. Popular programs during the fall include Fall Colors Kayak Tour, Women's Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing, and Introduction to Mountain Biking. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, REI local experiences are limited at this time across New England and the country. Please check REI.com/events for the latest details.

Each year, REI invests millions of dollars in local nonprofit organizations to steward trails, waterways and parks and connect people to the outdoors. This year, REI invested more than $100,000 in 10 nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Boston area, including the Esplanade Association, Bikes Not Bombs, The Trustees of Reservations, and The Emerald Necklace Conservancy.

About the REI Co-op