REI Co-op to open new store in Gainesville, Florida in spring 2020

SEATTLE – REI Co-op is opening a new store in Gainesville, Florida in spring 2020, bringing Floridians a wide assortment of quality gear, experiences and expertise for the region’s most popular outdoor activities. The new 23,000-square-foot store will be located at the Butler Town Center at 3650 Southwest 32nd Court. With over 320,000 lifetime REI members in state, REI Gainesville will join existing stores in Jacksonville and Winter Park.

“Gainesville is an incredible outdoor community, with so many opportunities to paddle, cycle and camp,” said Gail Kirkland, REI regional director for the south. “We are excited to further connect our local members to the many nearby lakes and state parks. Whether through a new piece of gear, a rental or an outdoor program, we offer something for anyone who wants to get outside.”

REI Gainesville will 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.

As a member-owned co-op, REI gave back more than 70% of its profits to the outdoor community last year through member dividends, employee retirement contributions and support for outdoor nonprofits. While anyone may shop at REI, members pay $20 for a lifetime membership and share in the company’s profits through an annual dividend.

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. This year, REI is investing $140,000 in local outdoor nonprofits in Florida, which includes funds for the Florida Trail Association and the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association. As REI gets closer to opening in Gainesville, 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 Gainesville 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: 3650 SW 32^nd Court, Suite 10
• Square footage: 23,000 square feet
• Open date: Spring 2020
• Special features: Rentals, outdoor programs
• REI Co-op membership: Over 320,000 lifetime members
• Other Florida stores: Jacksonville (opened 2013) and Winter Park (opened 2017)

About the REI Co-op