REI to outfit Richmond through West Broad Village store
30 May '09
2 min read
Recreational Equipment Inc (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, announced plans to open a new store in Richmond, Va. at West Broad Village in November of 2009.
“With easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic coast, we're excited to join the Richmond community and be a gateway for people and families exploring these areas,” said Gail Kirkland, REI retail director for the South. “Our new store will serve as a resource for both outdoor enthusiasts and our non-profit partners that are working to inspire people to get outside and conserve the natural spaces where we all enjoy recreating.”
Located along West Broad Street near I-64, the 26,500 square-foot, two-story location will offer the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling and travel, including the co-op's award-winning REI and Novara products. The store will feature a bike shop where technicians will provide expert advice, assemblies and repairs, in addition to a gear rental department to encourage members and customers to explore new outdoor activities.
The company is committed to inspiring more people to get active in the outdoors with a special focus on educating youth on the benefits of a healthy, outdoor lifestyle. To support this commitment, the new store will host a number of programs, classes and events, with a variety of topics relevant for those new to the outdoors or more experienced adventurers. REI also offers two programs geared towards children specifically, including PEAK (Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids), developed with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, and Passport to Adventure.