REI makes Ohio debut

Seattle -- REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) announced that it will open its first location in Ohio next fall at Rockwood Commons in Cincinnati. The one-story location will occupy 22,000 sq. ft. and will serve more than 5,000 active REI members as well as other outdoor enthusiasts in the community.



The company also announced that it will open a store in Medford, Ore. The 23,500-sq.-ft., one-story location will open next fall in Alba Village and help outfit approximately 7,300 local active members and other adventurers.



Both the Cincinnati and Medford stores will house bike, ski and snowboard shop services for quick assemblies and repairs, and a seasonal gear rental department for customers looking to test new activities.



REI said it is also relocating its current store in Cary, N.C. from Crossroads Plaza to Devonshire Place in the spring of 2012, which will allow REI to expand from approximately 21,000 sq. ft. to 27,200 sq. ft. The larger footprint will allow the retailer to increase its product offerings in cycling, footwear and paddling, the company said.



For the stores in Cincinnati and Medford, REI will recruit between 40 and 50 new employees, the company said.



REI operates 122 retail stores in 29 states. The new stores will join three additional 2012 store openings in Indianapolis, (opening in the spring), Oxnard, Calif., and Woodbridge, Va. (both opening in the fall).