Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) plans to open a second store in Pittsburgh in the spring of 2009 at Settlers Ridge Town Center.
Located off of Parkway West at Ridge and Campbells Run Roads, the new 26,000 square-foot, two-story location will offer the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel, including its own line of award-winning REI gear and apparel. The new store will also feature a seasonal gear rental department, bike shop with experienced technicians and community space for classes, presentations and events.
“We have more than 12,000 active REI members near Settlers Ridge and are excited to help outfit them and other outdoor enthusiasts in the area with the right gear and apparel for their recreational needs,” said Michelle Yancy, REI retail director for the Midwest district. “We look forward to deepening our relationships with our nonprofit partners in the community, working together to restore the wide range of trails, waterways and forests in the Pittsburgh area.”
In 2007, REI provided nearly $21,000 in financial contributions and/or gear donations to Pittsburgh-area nonprofit organizations that work to increase participation in outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship in the region. Those nonprofit partners included the Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group, PA CleanWays of Allegheny County, Student Conservation Association, Inc., and Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club (University of Pittsburgh). The co-op also coordinated 15 service projects with more than 400 volunteers, who gave nearly 1,400 hours of service to maintain and preserve the natural spaces in Pittsburgh in the past year.
REI first entered Pennsylvania with a store in Conshohocken, Pa. in 1991, followed by a store at Southside Works in Pittsburgh in 2005. Additionally, REI opened its eastern region distribution center in Bedford, Pa. in November to significantly reduce transit times of stock replenishment to stores and more quickly deliver orders to members and customers.
The co-op will recruit approximately 50 employees for the new location, and hiring clinics will occur approximately two months prior to the store's opening. More information about employment opportunities is available at www.rei.com/jobs.
