REI is negotiating to lease space in Omaha for what could be its first store in the Cornhusker State, according to a report by the Omaha World-Herald.
The outdoor specialty retailer is negotiating to lease a 24,000-square-foot space at Crossroads Village, a $400 million project that will comprise 400,000 square feet of retail space, 400,000 square feet of office space, 400 residential units, a hotel and a fitness club. The project could open as early as June, 2016 if voters approve a $50 million general obligation bond issue, Omaha.com reported.
Based in Kent, WA, REI operates 132 stores in 33 states as well as rei.com, but has yet to enter many Midwestern states. It is scheduled to open its first two stores in Ohio later this year. The company, which also sells via rei.com and reioutlet.com, reported sales of nearly $2 billion in 2012.