REI is scouting a former Linens n' Things store in Norwalk, CT as the site for a potential second store in the state, according to a report by The Hour.com.
City planning officials told the the news site that REI was interested in taking over the 24,000-square-foot free-standing building as early as next spring. The building, at 189 Connecticut Ave., would require substantial remodeling.
REI has confirmed plans to open two stores in 2010, down from as many as eight a few years ago. The co-op currently operates 80 stores in 27 states, and has been focusing on the east coast since completing a 525,000-square foot distribution center in Pennsylvania in late 2007.
