REI coming to Tucson

[Sredfield]

August 26, 2008

CONTACT: REI Public Affairs (253) 395-5958

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

REI to Open a Store in Tucson, Ariz. at the Tucson Mall

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to open a new store in Tucson, Ariz. at the Tucson Mall in the spring of 2009.

The 28,000 square-foot, two-story location will offer the top brands of outdoor gear and apparel for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling and travel, including the co-op's award-winning REI and Novara products. Additional store features include a gear rental department that will help encourage members and customers to explore new outdoor activities, a bike shop where technicians will provide quick assemblies or repairs, and a community space that REI and non-profit partners can utilize for classes, presentations and events.

"From rock climbing to cycling to camping, Tucson is home to some of the best places to recreate in the great outdoors," said Doug Schmidt, REI retail director for the Southwest district. "With more than 5,800 active REI members residing in the area, we're excited to prepare them and other outdoor enthusiasts with the knowledge and right gear for their next adventure."

REI is dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and customers for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. As part of that commitment, the co-op partners with non-profit conservation and outdoor organizations in its communities through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions. In 2007, the company provided nearly $60,000 through grant support to nine nonprofit partners in Arizona, including Volunteers for Outdoor Arizona, which works to connect volunteers to stewardship opportunities across the state.

The Tucson REI will be the third location in Arizona, joining stores in Tempe, Ariz. and Paradise Valley, Ariz., which have served members and customers since 1986 and 1996 respectively. Through the company's work in these communities, the co-op helped organize nine conservation and restoration projects with more than 510 volunteers, who provided nearly 3,100 hours of service in the past year.

Hiring clinics will occur approximately two months prior to the store's opening, where the co-op will recruit approximately 60 employees who share a passion for the outdoors and quality customer service.

While anyone may shop at REI, members pay a one-time $20 fee and receive a share in the company's profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. Based on the co-op's 2007 sales, $62.8 million was distributed to its active members through the annual patronage dividend earlier this year.

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.

Carla Olson
Outreach Specialist | REI Paradise Valley
12634 N. Paradise Village Pkwy W.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
(602) 996 - 5400 x204

[azbackpackr]

I have had bad and good help at both places. I have had very bad help at REI in Tempe in the shoe dept. but good in the backpack dept. At summit hut, like you said. Both kinds prevail.

[Azbackcountry]

True...both kinds of help prevail everywhere, I guess I shouldn't single out SH. It's just that the lousy customer service seems to be persistent there.

[Jeffshadows]

There are two really awesome guys at the Wetmore location, but they are rarely there. The rest are kind of aloof or standoffish.

[big_load]

It's just that the lousy customer service seems to be persistent there.

I give them money, they give me stuff. I rarely want anything else in the way of customer service, especially if it involves me having to explain anything or them having to understand me.

[joebartels]

amen

[Jeffshadows]

It's just that the lousy customer service seems to be persistent there.

I give them money, they give me stuff. I rarely want anything else in the way of customer service, especially if it involves me having to explain anything or them having to understand me.

Just one side note - this is my attitude, as well, with hiking and backpacking gear. SH and REI also sell climbing gear. It is especially dangerous for noobs, for example, to buy technical gear from someone who couldn't care less what they plan to use it for or how. Lives can be lost or people can be seriously injured. Is that Summit Hut or REI's fault? Absolutely not, just food for thought...