REI to offer curbside pick-up as it starts reopening stores
REI is preparing for a safe return to customer-facing services as a growing number of states begin to reopen for limited outdoor activity.
Starting this week, the outdoor gear and apparel retailer will begin offering curbside pick-up at more than half of its 162 stores nationwide and will launch zero-contact bike shop services in select locations. REI will also begin reopening its, beginning with three location in Montana.
"After two months of temporary closures, this week we will begin reopening our stores—just in time to celebrate our 82nd anniversary,” wrote Eric Artz, REI president and CEO, in a letter to members.” In some places 'opening' will mean curbside service. In others, our doors will open for a limited number of customers. In every case, we'll be taking precautions to ensure the health and safety of our employees, customers and communities."
As REI prepares to reopen, it is implementing a number of health and safety guidelines, including:
- Operating on a reduced schedule and limiting the number of people allowed in stores;
- Requiring employees to wear face coverings and asking customers to do the same (disposable face coverings will be available for those who don't have them);
- Socially distanced queuing at store entrances, cash registers and shop counters;
- Installing plexiglass shields at all registers; and
- Maintaining enhanced cleaning procedures with thorough, frequent cleanings of high-touch surface areas
Beyond the ramp-up of physical retail, REI is developing additional ways to serve members, including virtual events and gatherings, a pilot program for virtual outfitting and an updated returns process. Those services will begin rolling out in select stores during the coming weeks.
The latest information about store-by-store services can be found here.