REI Co-op to open new store in Appleton, Wisconsin in spring 2020
New store will offer top quality outdoor gear, expertise and experiences
Jul 3, 2019
SEATTLE – REI Co-op is opening a new store in Appleton, Wisconsin in spring 2020 , bringing people a wide assortment of quality gear, experiences and expertise for the region’s most popular outdoor activities. The new 2 0 ,000-square-foot store will be located at the Center Valley shopping center at the northwest corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Interstate 41. With nearly 300,000 lifetime REI members in state, REI Appleton will join existing stores in Brookfield (71 miles) and Madison (86 miles).
“Appleton is an incredible outdoor community, with so many opportunities to paddle , cycle and camp ,” said Michelle Yancy, REI retail director for the Midwest. “We are excited to further connect our local members to these areas . W hether through a new piece of gear, a rental or an outdoor program, we offer something for everyone looking to get outside.”
REI Appleton will offer a range of programs to connect people to a life outdoors. A national leader in outdoor experiences and education, 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.
In addition to offering quality gear, expertise and outdoor programs, REI actively works with nonprofits across the country to steward and maintain local trails and public lands and connect people to the outdoors. REI has been part of the Wisconsin community for 25 years, and in 2018, REI invested $ 112 ,800 in local outdoor nonprofits. This investment included funds for the Ice Age Trail Alliance , St. Croix River Association and the Driftless Area Land Conservancy . As REI gets closer to opening in Appleton , the co-op plans to invest further in the local outdoor community.
Join the REI team
Candidates interested in joining the REI team at any local store can apply online at REI.com/jobs .? REI expects to hire up to 45 employees for the Appleton location. New employees will receive a wide variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions. REI employees also enjoy unique perks, like two paid “Yay Days” that allow them to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity and an additional paid day off on Black Friday to #OptOutside with family and friends. REI has been recognized as one of Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” for 22 consecutive years.
Store facts
- Address: Northwest corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Interstate 41
- Square footage: 20,000 square feet
- Open date: Spring 2020
- Special features: Bike shop
- REI Co-op membership: Nearly 300,000 lifetime members
- Other Wisconsin stores: Madison (opened 1994) and Brookfield (opened 1998)
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.