Central Ohio will soon be home to a second REI store, opening next year in Columbus, Ohio. The 23,000 square-foot location will open next fall at Sun Center.
The store will join a previously announced 23,400 square-foot REI location at Easton Gateway, opening in the spring. Both stores will offer the top brands of outdoor gear and apparel, in addition to expert assembly and repair services through a bike shop. The retailer opened its first Ohio store in Cincinnati in 2012.
“Columbus is a city filled with active people and one of the largest markets without an REI store,” said Ray Dinterman, REI retail director for the Mid-Atlantic district. “Two stores allow us to better serve the many local adventurers looking to have fun in the outdoors, including the more than 5,100 REI members in the area.”
With two locations in Columbus, REI will hire approximately 100 employees locally next year. The retailer is currently accepting applications for its Easton Gateway store and will begin interviews early next year.　Interested candidates for the store at Sun Center can sign up online to be notified when REI begins accepting applications.
