Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) plans to open a new store in East Hanover, NJ in the fall of 2009.
Located at Route 10 and Murray Road, the 30,000 square-foot store will offer the top brands of gear and apparel for outdoor recreation. The new store will feature a bike shop where technicians will provide quick assemblies or repairs, in addition to a seasonal gear rental department to help encourage members and customers to explore new outdoor activities. REI East Hanover will be the second location in New Jersey, joining a store in Marlton, which opened in 2005.
“REI has been looking to expand our locations on the East Coast and grow our non-profit relationships to help encourage more people to be active outside,” said Anne Maleady, REI retail director for the Northeast district. “Whether individuals are looking for advice on how to begin commuting by bicycle or suggestions on close-to-home adventures for the entire family, were excited to help outfit the East Hanover community for their next trip into the outdoors.”
In 2008, the co-op has provided nearly $17,000 of grant support to three New Jersey nonprofit partners in the form of gear and/or financial donations. Those organizations include Children’s Resource Center Inc., Pinelands Preservation Alliance Inc and Saddler’s Woods Conservation Association. The new East Hanover store will also feature a community room that REI and its non-profit partners can utilize for classes, presentations and events.
Hiring clinics will occur approximately three months prior to the store’s opening, where the co-op will recruit approximately 60 employees.
