REI plans to open a store in Marlton, N.J., in March 2005, at the southwest The 22,500 square-foot store will be about 30 miles from the REI store in Conshohocken, Penn., which opened in 1991. Both stores serve the Philadelphia market, Conshohocken to the northwest, Marlton to the east. The Marlton store, leased from John Zagara, will employ about 55 full- and part-time staff.
“Southern New Jersey has great access to recreation,” said REI Vice President of Real Estate Jerry Chevassus. “Wharton State Forest and Lebanon State Forest, both within a half hour of Marlton, have 260 square miles for camping, hiking, mountain biking and cross country skiing. The New Jersey shore to east and Pocono Mountains to the north provide kayaking and alpine skiing.”
REI has been named to FORTUNE magazine's “100 Best Companies to Work For in America” list for seven consecutive years, ranking 24th in 2004. REI is one of only eight companies to have been included on each of the magazine lists and two book versions.
A portion of REI's profits is set aside each year for support of outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship causes, with $2 million to be awarded in 2004.
