Columbia Sportswear Company is opening a new Columbia-branded retail store at Mall of America on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008. The new store has more than 16,000 square feet and
features Columbia apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, along
with its Sorel brand footwear. It will be open
Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7
p.m.

“What better place than Minnesota and Mall of America to introduce outdoor enthusiasts to all of the great products Columbia Sportswear and Sorel have to help people get outside and enjoy their activities while staying protected from the elements?” asked Tim Boyle, president and CEO, Columbia Sportswear Company. Boyle continued, “We are very excited to be opening our first U.S. Columbia-branded store outside of Oregon and introducing our authentic outdoor brands to the millions of visitors who shop each year at Mall of America.”

As part of the company's opening week celebration, Columbia will make a charitable donation to the Conservation Alliance and Boundary Waters Wilderness Foundation, two groups that share Columbia's passion for the Greater Outdoors. In addition, professional off-road unicyclist Dan Heaton, who appears in Columbia's current advertising campaign, will turn tricks on a customized Columbia cycling track on Nov. 22 and 23 between 12 and 5 p.m. in the Macy's Court near the Columbia Sportswear store.