REI Co-op to open small format neighborhood store in Cambridge, MA in fall 2021

REI Co-op is introducing its first ever small format neighborhood store in Cambridge: its fifth retail location in Massachusetts and eleventh in New England. The 6,500 square-foot store will be a part of the innovative Cambridge Crossing community and serve the nearly 579,000 lifetime members throughout Greater Boston as well as those who are newcomers to the area and the co-op.

"After 34 years in Massachusetts, including 18 years in Fenway, we're proud to grow into the city of Cambridge this fall – a neighborhood filled with outdoor enthusiasts and forward-thinking companies," says Becky Smith, REI's Northeast regional director. "We look forward to joining the fabric of a community that shares our belief that time outside is fundamental to a life well lived. REI is committed to connecting and supporting all members of the community to have an active lifestyle."

Product selection will be carefully curated to serve the Cambridge community that prioritizes time outside as part of their daily lives. For example, the rich heritage of running and cycling in Greater Boston will be a distinct focus. Beyond the products available in store, members and customers will be able to access the full breadth of the company's offerings on REI.com through in-store consultation services and virtual outfitting.

With a new Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) station a few steps away, REI's Cambridge location will be connected to a commuter bike center equipped with self-service bike maintenance tools for quick fixes, restrooms and showers. Those needing further assistance and expertise can stop into REI and connect with a certified bike tech.

In addition to offering gear and maintenance, the location will feature a gathering space where customers can partner with REI's local staff to dream, discover and plan their next outdoor adventures, near and afar. REI will work closely with Cambridge Crossing to host community programming on the 11 acres of planned public parks and open space.

As a member-owned co-op, REI shares annual profits with its members and invests in the local communities where they reside and recreate. As part of the co-op's philanthropy commitment, REI actively works with nonprofits across the country to steward and maintain local trails, parks, and public lands to connect people to the outdoors. Earlier this year, REI invested more than $100,000 in nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Boston area, including the Esplanade Association, Bikes Not Bombs, The Trustees of Reservations, and The Emerald Necklace Conservancy.

Join the REI team

Candidates interested in joining the REI team in Cambridge or at any local store can apply online at REI.com/jobs. All employees receive a wide variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions. REI employees also enjoy unique perks, such as two paid "Co-op Way Days" each year that allow them to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity and an additional paid day off on Black Friday to encourage all employees to #OptOutside.

Store Facts:

• Address: 181 Morgan Ave. #1, Cambridge, MA 02141
• Square footage: Approximately 8,000 square feet, of which 6,500 will be customer-facing
• Open date: Fall 2021
• Special features: Bike shop, buy online - pick up in-store, virtual outfitting
• REI Co-op membership: Nearly 579,000 lifetime members in greater Boston, more than 1,004,000 lifetime members throughout New England
• Massachusetts stores: Boston (opened 2003), Framingham (opened 1997), Hingham (opened 2004), Reading (opened 1987)
• Recent New England store openings: North Conway, NH (opened 2019) Williston, VT (opened 2019), Westbrook, ME (opening fall 2021)

About the REI Co-op