REI Houston-Baybrook Joins the Co-op this Fall

New store to offer gear and expertise, and extend partnerships with local nonprofits to help more people get outside

Jul 21, 2016

SEATTLE – Outdoor adventurers in Houston, Texas will have a new REI store when the co-op sets up camp at the Baybrook Mall this fall. Situated just miles from the northern point of Galveston Bay, the new store will carry gear and apparel for some of the region's most popular activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking and trail running.

"It's amazing that Houston is getting a third co-op store so close to so many outdoor

places," said Ann Bewley, REI Outdoor Programs and Outreach market coordinator for the Houston area. "We're excited to increase our support of the local community and inspire people to get outside through our classes, gear and passion for the outdoors. Working with and growing our partnerships with local nonprofits in this area will add a new dimension to Clear Lake and its surrounding areas.

REI Houston-Baybrook will be the co-op's third location in the Houston area, joining stores at Willowbrook and The Galleria, which was the co-op's first Houston location in 1996. The new 25,000 square-foot store will serve more than 80,000 active members in Houston. It will be the co-op's 11 th location in the state of Texas—first opening at Austin-Gateway in 1989.

The new store will feature the top brands of outdoor gear and apparel for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, travel and paddling, and the store's bike shop will provide cyclists with expert assembly and repair services. The store will also offer expert advice from in-store guides and classes through REI Outdoor School—a national leader in outdoor education that taught over 250,000 people across the country last year. In the Houston area, nearly 2,000 people have participated in REI Outdoor School classes this year. REI is also holding its first-ever national free weekend of Outdoor School on July 30-31 to bring people together outside, offering over 400 classes and events nationwide at no cost.

With each new store, the co-op invests in local nonprofit partners who steward local outdoor places. In 2016, REI has invested $40,000 in five Houston-area nonprofits and $210,000 in 23 nonprofit partners throughout the state. In total, REI will invest more than $8 million in hundreds of nonprofits throughout the country this year.

Join the REI Team

Candidates interested in joining the REI team at any local store can apply online at rei.jobs. The co-op expects to hire 50 employees for each of the new stores who receive a variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions. For 19 consecutive years, REI has been recognized as one of FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For."

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.