REI Co-op will open a store in Sarasota this Fall 2023 in the University Town Center, its eighth store in Florida.
“Ten years ago, we opened our first store in Florida with a Jacksonville location. We’ve long recognized the opportunity to better serve our customers who live and play in the Sarasota area, as they have been driving an hour to our Tampa store,” said Les Hatton, REI regional director. “
The store will occupy 25,000 square feet and offer a full-service bike shop, buy online-pick up in-store and curbside pickup. REI has a membership base of 114,000 in the Tampa/St. Petersburg (Sarasota) area and 512,000 members in Florida.
Over the last five years, Florida land agencies and nonprofit partners have received over $450,000 from REI Co-op. Last year, $102,500 was distributed to 15 nonprofits, including Alafia State Park, Florida State Parks Foundation and Florida Trail Association.
REI has 181 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia.
