REI announced that it is building a distribution center in Lebanon, TN to support its growth on the East Coast, the Midwest and South. Expected to open in Fall 2023, the building and its operations will address the employee experience, community engagement and environmental impact.
REI’s Lebanon distribution center will be approximately 400,000 square feet and employ more than 280 people. Situated on 41 acres in Wilson County, the facility will be one mile from I-40 and three miles from downtown Lebanon. The location is expected to reduce shipping times to fulfill online orders and support more than 70 REI stores. The Lebanon facility is expected to complement the retailer’s three distribution centers in Bedford, PA, Goodyear, AZ and Sumner, WA.
The distribution center is being constructed with sustainability and technology features in mind that complement its Arizona site. The design is centered on an environment that addresses how employees work, rest and connect with nature. The building will use 100 percent renewable, 100 percent electric energy and operate as a zero-waste facility. REI will also be an active participant in regional renewable energy solutions.
“REI is a respected brand that has been trusted by outdoor enthusiasts for over 80 years, and I’m proud the company has chosen Tennessee for its newest distribution center,” said Governor Bill Lee. “Our state’s central location and unmatched quality of life make it the ideal destination for a company so committed to outdoor recreation, and I thank REI for its commitment and job creation in Lebanon.”
Photo courtesy REI
