Outdoor Chain To Open Several New Stores Across U.S.

The nation's largest consumer co-op plans to open new locations in at least four cities, according to a news release and updated reports.

The eight communities were chosen for new locations due to their proximity to beloved outdoor recreation landmarks, the company said.

“Cities that will have new stores represent communities that serve as a gateway to some of the country’s most incredible natural places and where our members currently live or destinations where they love to play outside,” Mary-Farrell Tarbox, REI vice president of Stores, said in a news release.

The news comes as REI Co-op opened 10 new stores and expanded its San Diego location in 2024, which has been open since 1994.

Stores opened in Albany, New York; Beavercreek, Ohio; Beaverton, Oregon; Glendale, Arizona; Ithaca, New York; Loveland, Colorado; Rancho Mirage, California; College Station, Texas; Louisville, Kentucky and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Each REI store is stocked with outdoor recreation gear and clothing meant for camping, hiking, cycling, running, climbing, yoga and other activities. What's more, each new store is expected to include a full-service bike shop staffed by certified mechanics to tune and repair mountain, road, hybrid or e-bikes.

By the end of the year, REI is expected to open three new stores and in 2026, two more stores will open, company spokesperson Megan Behrbaum told USA TODAY. So far, the chain has opened one new location and finished the relocation of two other stores.

Here are the stores that are opening this summer:

• Chico, California
• Elk Grove, California
• Durango, Colorado

And here are the stores that have already opened:

• Carlsbad, California
• Lynnwood, Washington
• Amherst, New York

In 2026, the following stores are expected to open:

• Prosper, Texas
• St. George, Utah

Tarbox said the new locations in Amherst, Durango and Lynnwood would also operate seasonal ski and snowboard shops with technicians to service downhill skis, cross-country skis, backcountry skis, snowboards or splitboards. Meanwhile, REI in St. George will offer Nordic ski hand tuning and snowboard mounting, the company said.

REI is known not only for its selection of outdoor gear, but also for its member perks. Members get a 20 percent discount on bike and snow shop services, the company said.

Despite the news of new openings, it hasn't been all good news for the corporation. This year, the company closed a large store in East Cambridge, Massachusetts.

“We are sorry to let you know the REI Co-op store in Cambridge will close permanently on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 6 p.m.,” the company said, Mass Live reported. “Thank you for 4 great years.”

In January, REI also shut down its Experiences venture, which included adventure travel, day trips, classes and other events, USA Today reported. As a result, the company laid off 428 workers of REI Experiences.

The company says the costs significantly outpaced its revenue.

"When we look at the all-up costs of running this business, including costs like marketing and technology, we are losing millions of dollars every year and subsidizing Experiences with profits from other parts of the business," REI CEO and President Eric Artz wrote in a note to employees. "We’ve held out as long as possible, but the fact remains that Experiences is an unprofitable business for the co-op, and we must adjust course."