REI Co-op will open a new store in Pigeon Forge, TN, in spring 2020. The new 21,500 square-foot store will be located in The Tower Shops at The Mountain Mile shopping center.
“When exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, one of the best places to start is Pigeon Forge,” said Gail Kirkland, REI regional director for the south. “From hiking to backpacking to mountain biking, our goal is to connect our members to the activities they love and the ones they are eager to try.”
REI Pigeon Forge will also offer workshops, classes, and guided day trips to connect people to outdoor experiences in the Great Smoky Mountains. A national leader in outdoor experiences, last year, REI helped more than 350,000 people across the country get outside through classes, tours and events last year. In addition, REI’s active adventure travel company, has operated fully guided trips in the Great Smoky Mountains for more than 12 years and currently offers five overnight travel options in the region.
REI is a member-owned co-op offering top-quality gear, expertise and experiences to connect people to a life outdoors. While anyone may shop at REI, members pay $20 for a lifetime membership and share in the company’s profits through an annual dividend. In addition, REI actively works with nonprofits to steward local trails and public lands and connect people to the outdoors.
The co-op annually gives more than 70 percent of its profits back to the outdoor community through member dividends, employee retirement contributions and investment in nonprofit partners. This year, REI is investing $100,000 in nonprofits in Tennessee including the Southeastern Climbers Coalition, Appalachian Mountain Bike Club and Legacy Parks Foundation. REI Pigeon Forge joins existing stores in Brentwood, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Memphis.
