Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)

As the holiday dust clears and we settle into a new year, it’s only fitting that retailers take a moment to reflect on successes of 2013 and identify opportunities for 2014. How can we be more efficient this year? Can we waste less while producing more? Where can we make simple adjustments that add up to big bottom line savings?

Columbus, Ohio — REI has signed a lease for a 23,000-sq.-ft. space in Sun Center in northwest Columbus, Ohio, according to Casto, Sun Center’s owner.

The space is part of an existing 60,000-sq.-ft. Hhgregg store. Hhgregg is downsizing its offering to 37,000 sq. ft., which is more typical of the Hhgregg’s prototype. Hhgregg will remain open during the redevelopment. REI expects to open in the fall of 2014.

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Seattle — Next fall, REI will open a 23,000-sq.-ft. store at Sun Center in Columbus, Ohio. That store will join a previously announced 23,400-sq.-ft. REI slated to open in the spring at Easton Gateway. The retailer opened its first Ohio store in Cincinnati in 2012.

REI is the nation’s largest consumer cooperative with 5.1 million active members and 132 stores.

Seattle -- REI will open a store in Fairbanks, Alaska, in the spring of 2014.

The 30,000-sq.-ft. store will house a bike shop, and ski and snowboard shop offering assembly and repair services, and host free in-store classes.

"Whether hiking, skiing or practicing yoga, Alaskans are some of the most active people in the country," said Kevin Golic, REI retail director for the Washington and Alaska district.

REI has a long history in Alaska, dating back to its store in Anchorage, opened in 1979.

Data center retrofit cuts cooling costs by 93%

Retailers are constantly on the hunt for energy savings, and data centers offer huge potential: By 2020, data centers could consume 10% of all U.S. power, according to some experts. Here’s how outdoor gear and apparel retailer Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) is working to reduce energy costs and its environmental footprint in this critical area of operations.

Columbus, Ohio — Steiner + Associates, The Georgetown Co. and Limited Brands have broken ground on Easton Gateway, a 54-acre addition to Easton Town Center.

Nearly 15 years after Easton Town Center opened, Easton Gateway will introduce a number of noteworthy additions to the master-planned community, including new brands and big box retail.

Seattle -- REI will open a store in Southlake Texas, in fall 2014. The 22,000-sq.-ft. store, at Park Village, will include a bike shop offering expert assembly and repair services, and provide outdoor-related classes and presentations.