Recreational Equipment, Inc. plans to open new stores in Schaumburg, Ill. and Lincoln Park, Ill. The locations will double REIs presence in the Chicago metropolitan area by 2008.
The national co-op has been serving Chicago residents since 1991 with the opening of a store in Niles, Ill. In 1994, REI opened a second store in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., located at 17 West 160 22nd Street. The Niles store relocated to Northbrook, Ill. earlier this year and is now situated at the intersection of Willow Road and Waukegan Road, near Interstate 94.
In Schaumburg, REI has begun renovation on the former Tower Records site in Woodfield Commons for an expected opening in November 2007. The one-story, 26,000 square-foot store will include a full-service bike shop and seasonal rentals, such as snowshoes and camping equipment.
In Lincoln Park, the co-ops two-story, 28,000 square-foot store will be located in a new mixed-use development at the southwest corner of Halsted Street and Blackhawk Street, adjacent to the new British School. Opening in the fall of 2008, the store will also include a full-service bike shop, seasonal rentals and a community space for classes, presentations and events.
“Chicago is home to many amazing recreational sites that can be enjoyed within the city or just a short distance away,” said Michelle Yancy, REI Midwest retail director. “With nearly 64,000 members residing in the area, we look forward to better serving our members, customers and other enthusiasts for their outdoor adventures.”
With the addition of the new locations, REI will employ nearly 300 full- and part-time retail staff in the Chicago area by 2008. Hiring clinics for Schaumburg and Lincoln Park will occur approximately two months prior to each store opening.
