REI to expand footprint in two states

Specialty outdoor retailer REI is on the move.



The company has two new stores in the works, one in Rochester, New York, and the other in Winter Park, Florida.



Expected to open in fall 2016, REI Rochester will be located at CityGate, which is in the heart of the city's university and hospital district. With the Finger Lakes and several ski resorts nearby, the 27,000-sq.-ft. store will carry gear and apparel for snow and water sports.



REI Winter Park is due to open in spring 2017. The 25,000-sq.-ft. store will carry products for a variety of local outdoor adventures from biking to paddling.



"We are thrilled to be able to better serve our members and partner with the outdoor communities in Rochester and Winter Park," said Greg Medlyn, REI's divisional VP of retail. "From the Finger Lakes to the Chain of Lakes, Rochester and Winter Park are two communities with a passion for a life outdoors and we look forward to helping local adventurers get outside."



REI, headquartered near Seattle, has 143 stores in 35 states.