REI to outfit Kitsap Peninsula residents from next fall

The 24,500 square-foot store will be located at the intersection of NW Randall Way and Myhre Place NW. REI Silverdale will offer the top brands of gear and apparel for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel. A seasonal rental department will allow customers to test new outdoor activities and a bike shop will provide expert assembly and repair services. The store's community space will host outdoor-related classes, presentations and events.

"Our new Silverdale store will be much more convenient for more than 15,000 active REI members who reside along the Kitsap Peninsula," said Kevin Golic, REI retail director for the Washington and Alaska district. "We look forward to providing REI's quality products, advice and service to the many that consider the community the gateway to the Olympics."

REI's mission is to inspire, educate and outfit its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. As part of its commitment, REI granted $262,000 to 20 nonprofits in the Puget Sound area this year to help restore local trails, parks and waterways. Grant recipients include Forterra, Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust and Washington Trails Association.

The company will hire approximately 50 new employees for the new store. Candidates can apply online at www.rei.com/jobs approximately three months before the opening. For 15 consecutive years, REI has been recognized as one of FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For," receiving its highest ranking ever at number eight in 2012.

While anyone may shop with REI, the company is the nation's largest consumer cooperative with 4.7 million active members. REI members pay a one-time $20 fee and receive a share in REI's profits through an annual member refund. Membership also includes discounts on gear rentals, REI Adventures trips and REI Outdoor School classes.

REI Silverdale will join eight other Puget Sound locations in serving more than 436,000 active members in the Seattle and Tacoma area. REI operates 127 stores in 31 states, two online stores – rei.com and REI-OUTLET.com – and the award-winning REI brand and Novara bike products.

Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI)