Following the successful opening of a store in Pineville, N.C., in August, 2006, REI plans to open a second store in the Charlotte area in the spring of 2008. The new store will be located in the NorthCrest development adjacent to the Northlake Mall. A store opened in Pineville, just south of Charlotte, at Carolina Place Mall in August, 2006.

“We are thrilled that 5,500 new members have joined REI here since we opened our doors in Pineville on August 4th,” said Janet Hopkins, retail regional vice president. “The people of Charlotte enjoy exploring the natural world and finding ways to recreate from the mountains to the sea.”

The 26,000 square-foot will employ about 55 full- and part-time staff. The store will provide top outdoor brands of outdoor gear and clothing for camping, climbing, cycling, paddling, hiking, travel and snow sports, including REI's own line of award-winning REI gear and apparel.