REI plans to open a store in Raleigh, N.C., in November 2005 at North Hills. The 25,500 square-foot, two-story store located at North Hills in North Raleigh will employ about 55 full- and part-time staff. It is being leased from Kane Realty Corporation. North Hills is a former regional mall that has evolved into an exciting midtown district with a mix of housing, offices, a movie theater, restaurants and stores.
The store will provide outdoor gear and clothing for hiking, camping, climbing and cycling and all the top outdoor brands including REI's own gear and apparel. REI opened its first North Carolina store in Cary in 1992. A second store, in Durham, opened in 2003.
“As the Raleigh-Durham area continues to thrive, so does the desire to take time to get out and enjoy the outdoors,” Vice President of Real Estate Jerry Chevassus said. “Fortunately, there are some great places, from the nearby Umstead, Falls Lake and Lake Crabtree parks to heading out to the Carolina Coast or the Great Smoky Mountains.”
REI is known for knowledgeable employees who help select the right gear and offer information and useful tips on how to achieve a great outdoor experience. A camp stove demonstration table and a footwear test trail assist customers in learning about gear. A gear rental department encourages customers to try new outdoor activities.
REI has about 19,000 active members in the Raleigh area. While anyone may shop at REI, members pay a one-time $15 fee and receive a share in the company's profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases.
