Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open its first Kentucky store this Fall in Louisville. Situated in the city’s northeast corridor – off of interstates 265 and 71 – the location will offer an assortment of outdoor gear and apparel for camping, cycling, hiking, running, fitness, climbing and more, as well as a full-service bike shop that is staffed by certified mechanics.
REI is the country’s largest consumer co-op, providing vast amounts of expertise via its staff and online resources. Members who join the co-op can access the Re/Supply used gear trade-in program; discounts on shop services and experiences; a share of the co-op’s annual profits based on qualifying purchases and more.
“We have been interested in Louisville for nearly a decade,” said Lindsay Struve, REI’s regional director. “Even prior to announcing our new store, more than 29,000 REI members from the community have connected with the co-op for their outdoor adventures through our online resources and stores in adjacent states. As we open our doors, we are also excited to develop lasting partnerships with local nonprofits to support their efforts to welcome more people outside.”
The store will be located at Paddock Shops (4350 Summit Plaza Dr.) and span approximately 31,100 square feet. It will include a full-service bike shop, as well as buy online-pickup in store and curbside pickup options.
Louisville has 29,600 REI co-op members, while Kentucky has 78,600 members.
REI members are part of an engaged community that fights for a life outside. With each new membership purchased, the co-op donates $5 to support the REI Cooperative Action Fund. The community-supported nonprofit is fueled by donations from REI members, customers, employees, foundations, and corporate partners – including the co-op. Each spring and fall, the REI Fund announces new investments that provide unrestricted funding to nonprofits across three specific priorities: connecting people outside, creating space outside and centering health outside. As part of the Louisville store opening celebration, the REI Fund will make a donation to a local nonprofit.
REI expects to hire approximately 50 employees for the Louisville store. Candidates interested in joining the co-op set up a job alert on the co-op’s career site, REI.jobs, to be notified when positions are posted.
