REI announced plans to open a distribution center in Arizona in mid-2016 that will enable it to reach 20 percent more customers with two-day ground service.
The 400,000-square-foot facility is being built on 34 acres in the
Phoenix suburb of Goodyear. REI expects it will employ approximately 120
employees when it becomes operational in July, 2016.
“We are privileged to join the community of Goodyear as we expand our distribution capacity and services to the southwest market,” said Rick Bingle, REI’s vice president of Supply Chain. “The Goodyear distribution center will enable us to continue to focus on the needs of customers by moving our gear and apparel more quickly and efficiently, now and into the future.”
REI opened seven new stores in 2014, bringing the current total to 140 stores in 33 states. The new distribution center will serve approximately 40 of those stores. Retail and REI.com customers will benefit from shorter cycle times required to replenish product, ensuring for more options on store shelves and shorter deliveries. Once the Goodyear facility is up and running, the company will reach 20 percent more customers with two-day ground service.
“Staying true to the co-op’s values, the facility is being designed and constructed with sustainability and community at the forefront,” said Bingle. “REI is making choices to limit demands on natural resources whenever possible.”
The building will be designed using the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, aiming to achieve a minimum of LEED Gold certification. The goal is to reduce energy consumption in the building, reduce energy costs and provide a more comfortable working environment for employees. In addition, the company is pursuing ways to minimize water use inside and outside the building, particularly for cooling and landscaping needs.
With several recreation areas nearby, Goodyear, and the surrounding community, is a strong fit for REI’s culture and brand. The co-op invested more than $45,000 in its local nonprofit relationships to enhance and take care of local outdoor places in Arizona, including the Arizona National Scenic Trail and McDowell Sonoran Preserve. With the new distribution center, REI will expand upon its commitment to outdoor spaces in Goodyear through additional grants and employee volunteer projects.
The Goodyear facility will complement REI’s existing distribution centers in Sumner, WA and Bedford, PA. REI selected Goodyear as the site for its new distribution center after looking at several other locations in the southwest region.
REI sells online at rei.com and through 140 stores in 33 states, where customers can ship online orders for free pickup.
