REI Co-op to open new store in Wichita, Kansas in spring 2020

SEATTLE – REI Co-op is opening a new store in Wichita, Kansas in spring 2020, bringing a wide assortment of quality gear, equipment rentals, experiences and expertise for the region’s most popular outdoor activities. The new 20,000-square-foot store will be located at the northeast corner of Highway 96 and Greenwich Place. With nearly 70,000 lifetime REI members in state, REI Wichita will be the co-op’s second store in Kansas, and offer a full-service specialty bike shop for maintenance and repairs.

“From paddling on the Arkansas River to camping at one of the many surrounding state parks, Wichita is one of the best places to experience the outdoors in Kansas,” said Michelle Yancy, REI retail director for the Midwest. “We are thrilled to further connect our local members to the activities and the places they love.”

REI Wichita 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.

REI is a member-owned co-op offering quality gear, expertise and outdoor experiences. 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 70 percent of its profits in the outdoor community, which includes support for 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 Kansas community since 2013 when the co-op opened its Overland Park store. In 2018, REI invested $20,000 in local outdoor nonprofits in Kansas supporting the Urban Trail Co. and BikeWalkKC. As REI gets closer to opening in Wichita, REI 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 Wichita 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: Northeast corner of Highway 96 and Greenwich Place
• Square footage: 20,000 square feet
• Open date: Spring 2020
• Special features: Bike shop
• REI Co-op membership: Nearly 70,000 lifetime members in Kansas
• Other Kansas stores: Overland Park (opened 2013)

About the REI Co-op