REI Co-op to hold grand opening celebration in Ithaca, New York on June 28-30
Three-day celebration filled with community partners, outdoor vendors, giveaways, and more
May 29, 2024
REI Co-op opens its new Ithaca, New York store on Friday, June 28 and invites the community to a three-day celebration filled with giveaways, outdoor brand activations, an afternoon social, music, and more.
The new store is in South Meadow Marketplace on S Meadow Street. The 17,000 square foot space will offer a wide assortment of apparel and gear for camping, cycling, hiking, fitness, running, and more. These products will help the Ithaca community stay outfitted while exploring all the recreation opportunities the region has to offer. For those who enjoy snow sports and cycling, gear repairs and tune ups will be available through the full-service bike, ski, and snowboard shop.
“On land and water, the Ithaca area offers countless outdoor opportunities for the community to enjoy. The REI team is excited to bring the co-op's expansive gear selection and expert advice to the area,” says Ithaca store manager Anna Christie. “We look forward to being a resource to locals, students, and travelers alike as they embark on their outdoor adventures. No matter how you enjoy spending time outside, we are here to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go!”
Doors open for grand opening festivities at 10 a.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Giveaways will be available each day, while supplies last. An outdoor social is scheduled for each afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. featuring music, nonprofit and vendor activations, and more. Nonprofits and brands attending the weekend’s events include Altra, Hydro Flask, Saucony, Nikwax, Mountain House, Smartwool, Terrex, Gregory Mountain Products, Black Diamond, Cascade Designs, Cotopaxi, Nuun, Darn Tough, Brooks Running, Kuat, and Oboz.
REI is the country’s largest consumer co-op and everyone is welcome to shop, participate in classes, and learn from REI’s expertise. Co-op members enjoy an even wider range of benefits, including free U.S. standard shipping, member coupons and discounts, free machine ski wax services, a used gear trade-in program, an annual member reward of 10% back on eligible purchases, and more. The Ithaca area already has over 6,000 co-op members, with approximately 743,000 in New York. The Ithaca store is REI’s fifth in the state. The closest store is Rochester, New York (92 miles away). Additional New York stores include Manhattan/SoHo (224 miles away), Carle Place (250 miles away), and Huntington Station (260 miles away). A sixth New York store will open this Fall in Albany.
New members join a growing community that fights for a life outside. With each new membership purchased, the co-op donates $5 to support the REI Cooperative Action Fund. Launched in 2021, the community-supported nonprofit is fueled by donations from REI members, customers, employees, foundations, and corporate partners – including REI Co-op. The REI Fund provides support to nonprofit organizations across the country doing essential work to create a more equitable outdoors for everyone. As part of the REI Ithaca's grand opening, a $10,000 donation will be made to local nonprofits that are helping to build a more equitable outdoors. Beyond local investments made for the grand opening, REI Co-op has invested $605,000 in New York nonprofits since 2019.
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.