REI plans to open a store in West Hartford, Conn., in the fall of 2007. The 27,000 square-foot, two-story store will be located at Blue Back Square, a mixed-use development, to be built in West Hartford Center. When complete, Blue Back Square will encompass more than 550,000 square feet of retail space, professional offices, health care facilities and condominium residences, in addition to public parking, a public plaza and other green areas. The development will also feature the expansion of West Hartfords library, renovations to the Town Hall and the creation of a new town park.
REI stores provide outdoor gear and clothing for hiking, camping, climbing, cycling and paddling featuring all the top outdoor brands including REIs own gear and apparel. The store, which will employ about 55 full- and part-time staff, is REIs first in Connecticut.
“Central Connecticut has access to great places to enjoy the outdoors, whether its kayaking on the Farmington River, mountain biking at the West Hartford Reservoir or heading north to the ski slopes,” REI Director of Real Estate Jerry Chevassus said. “We are thrilled to be bringing REIs blend of service and great outdoor gear to customers in West Hartford.”
REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.
