REI Co-op to open new store in Tampa, Florida in spring 2021

SEATTLE – REI Co-op will open a new store in Tampa, Florida in spring 2021, bringing a wide assortment of quality outdoor gear, experiences and expertise to the state's west coast. The new 22,500-square-foot store will be located at Midtown Tampa, an entirely new district that will connect the city’s Westshore and Downtown neighborhoods in early 2021. REI Tampa will also offer a specialty bike shop for customers to take advantage of maintenance and repair services.

“Tampa is an incredible community to continue our mission to connect local REI members to the outdoor places and activities they love,” said Gail Kirkland, REI regional director for the south. “Whether our members are paddling the Hillsborough River or taking a short walk from our store along The Watercourse, we can help them prepare for any kind of adventure.”

REI Tampa 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.

Midtown Tampa will feature the 3-acre Midtown Lake and The Watercourse, a recreational trail to encourage visitors to get outside. In addition, Midtown Tampa’s walkable design, with four acres of common public space such as Midtown Commons, a central gathering space for festivals, concerts, yoga in the park, and cross-fit stations, will offer multiple opportunities for community connections.

“Midtown is creating a unifying place for hospitality, living, working and shopping designed around four acres of common public spaces," said Nicholas Haines, Bromley Companies CEO. “REI has been part of our vision for Midtown since the beginning and joins our growing list of first-to-market retailers that will make Midtown a much-sought-after destination experience.”

REI is a member-owned co-op with more than 300,000 lifetime members in Florida. 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, REI annually invests more than 70 percent of its profits in the outdoor community, which includes support for nonprofits to steward local trails and public lands and connect people to the outdoors. This year, REI is investing $140,000 in Florida-based outdoor nonprofits including the Florida Trail Association and the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association’s Florida Chapter. As REI gets closer to opening in Tampa, 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 Tampa 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: 1101 N. Dale Mabry Highway (approximate)
• Square footage: 22,500 square feet
• Open date: Spring 2021
• Special features: Bike shop; in-store workshops for a wide range of outdoor activities
• REI Co-op membership: More than 300,000 lifetime co-op members in Florida
• Other Florida stores: Jacksonville (opened 2013) and Winter Park (opened 2017)

About Midtown Tampa

On 22 acres, Midtown Tampa is the first mixed-use project of its kind in Tampa and the catalyst for an entirely new district connecting Westshore and Downtown. Midtown Tampa will deliver 1.8 million square feet of retail, residential, Class A office, entertainment and hospitality to the surrounding neighborhood and entire Tampa Bay region. Already, Midtown Tampa has announced Whole Foods Market, Novel by Crescent Communities, True Food Kitchen, Ponte Group Restaurant, Aloft and Element Hotel, Midtown One office tower. Project completion is first quarter 2021. For more information about Midtown Tampa, visit www.midtowntampa.com.

About The Bromley Companies

Founded in 1972, The Bromley Companies is a national real estate development and investment company that has built a portfolio of retail, office, industrial and student housing assets. Bromley began a substantial history of investing in the Tampa region more than 30 years ago. During that time, Bromley established a Tampa office and has owned and managed local real estate including a 60,000 square-foot Bromley Office Building. The leadership team has also been involved with the Westshore Alliance and Tampa Hillsborough County Economic Development Council. To learn more about The Bromley Companies, visit www.bromco.com.

About the REI Co-op