REI Co-op to hold grand opening celebration in Sarasota, Florida on November 10-12
Three-day celebration filled with community partners, outdoor vendors, giveaways, and more
Oct 20, 2023
REI Co-op opens its new Sarasota store on Friday, November 10. The outdoor retailer invites the community to a three-day celebration filled with outdoor brands, nonprofit partners, an afternoon social and more.
Located at University Town Center, the 25,000 square-foot store features a wide assortment of outdoor gear and apparel for camping, hiking, cycling, running, fitness, paddling and more. A specialty bike shop will be staffed with certified mechanics to tune or repair equipment to help cyclists ride trails and streets year-round.
"Sarasota has a passionate outdoor community that we look forward to serving. We are also inspired by the opportunity to connect with local partners to welcome everyone to enjoy our outdoor spaces,” said Lisa Hofmeister, REI Sarasota store manager. “Whether biking on the Legacy Trail, paddling at Myakka River State Park, or simply taking a walk along one of our many beautiful beaches, our Sarasota team is ready to outfit our guests with the gear and experiences they need to enjoy their adventures."
During the grand opening celebration REI’s doors will open at 10 a.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Giveaways will be available while supplies last. Community members who join the morning festivities will enjoy free coffee and receive an exclusive camp mug with a donation to Friends of the Myakka River.
An outdoor social will be hosted every afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. with music, nonprofits and outdoor brands. Outdoor brands will include Black Diamond Equipment, Cotopaxi, Darn Tough, ENO Hammocks, Gregory Mountain Products, Hydro Flask, Mountain House, Nikwax, Nuun Hydration, Osprey, Saucony, Sea to Summit, and Smartwool. Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and Florida Trail Association will also participate in the celebration.
As the country’s largest consumer co-op, anyone is welcome to shop and tap into REI’s expertise. Members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. There are more than 114,000 members in the Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota) DMA and 512,000 members in Florida.
When REI Sarasota opens, the co-op will have eight stores in the state. The closest location is Tampa, which is 56 miles away and opened in 2021. Other Florida stores are in Boca Raton, (222 miles away, opened 2020), Gainesville (173 miles away, opened 2020), Jacksonville, (256 miles away, opened 2013), Palm Beach Gardens (165 miles away, opened 2022), Tallahassee (299 miles away, opened 2022) and Winter Park (128 miles away, opened 2017).
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.