REI Grand Opening November 20, 2009

REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) invites its co-op members and the Richmond community to celebrate the grand opening of its newest store at West Broad Village in Short Pump, Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22.



The 26,500 square-foot, one-story location will offer the top brands of gear and apparel for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling and travel. The store features a seasonal gear rental department and bike shop for quick assemblies or repairs.



A number of events and giveaways are scheduled in honor of the grand opening, including:



Commemorative Giveaways – The first 200 people (ages 12 and older) who visit the store each day will receive a special edition water bottle with an REI gift card ranging in value from $5 to $100. Doors open at 9 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. on Sunday.



Complimentary Breakfast – Early birds can enjoy a free continental breakfast served each morning an hour before the store opens, with free giveaways from REI and other vendors, including Smartwool, Native, Keen and Marmot.



Sweepstakes – REI members and customers may enter for a chance to win three various prize packages throughout the weekend, including REI family camping and running packages, and an REI Adventures Shenandoah Backpacking trip travel package.



A number of in-store classes and REI-supported events are scheduled following the grand opening weekend designed to get more people into the outdoors, including “how to” workshops, bike maintenance clinics and volunteer opportunities. The store’s community room is also available for outdoor-related presentations and events by the company and its non-profit partners.



REI is committed to promoting outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship, and actively partners with non-profit organizations to support its mission. In Richmond, the co-op granted $10,000 to support the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay in the creation of an outdoor classroom program with the goals of exposing more students to nature and conservation issues. In addition, more than 30 new REI employees from the store maintained mountain bike trails along the James River as part of the employee orientation process last month.



The new store in Richmond is the co-op’s 110th location overall and joins two additional REI locations, which opened in Bailey’s Crossroads, Va. in 1990 and Fairfax, Va. in 2003. Store hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. To learn more about the new store, visit http://www.rei.com/shortpump.



About REI

REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.