New REI Store Opens Friday In Santa Cruz With 3-Day Grand Opening Celebration

LIVE OAK, CA — Santa Cruz area outdoorsmen are getting their own REI store.

The popular retailer of outdoor and athletic gear and apparel will open its doors in Live Oak at 1662 Commercial Way to the public Friday, kicking off a three-day celebratory event ending Sunday.

Shoppers can grab goods for hiking, cycling, running, paddling, camping and other active hobbies at the 22,300-square-foot store, REI said in a statement.

Certified mechanics will be on hand to make repairs at the bike, ski and snowboard shop. The store will also include a community room.

Grand opening celebration festivities will kick off 10 a.m. Friday to Saturday and last until supplies are out. Music, vendors and local organizations will participate in an outdoor social from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday to Saturday, according to REI.

The store will feature safety measures such as acrylic dividers at checkout, social distancing and a limited number of shoppers in the store. Customers may be asked to wait outside to limit the number of people inside.

The Live Oak location is REI's 15th in Northern California and the 30th in the Golden State.