Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open in Ithaca, N.Y., in summer 2024. The store will offer an assortment of apparel, gear and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, paddling, climbing, snowsports and more. In addition, certified mechanics will tune and repair equipment through a full-service bike, ski and snowboard shop.
“We look forward to being a resource to the outdoor community, including 23,600 REI members, and those who are active across the Finger Lakes region. Today, our nearest store is more than 90 miles away from Ithaca in Rochester,” said Sonny Russell, REI regional director. “As we do in every community where we have a presence, REI will also establish partnerships with nonprofits doing incredible work to protect natural places and create belonging in the outdoors.”
Store Facts:
- Address: South Meadow Marketplace at 742 South Meadow Street, Suite 200 Ithaca, NY 14850
- Store Size: approximately 17,000 square feet
- Features: Full-service bike shop and ski and snowboard shop, buy online-pick up in store, and curbside pickup
- REI membership: 23,600 co-op members in Ithaca, 708,000 members in New York
REI’s philanthropy efforts are centered on the belief the outdoors should be a place where everyone can be themselves, access opportunities, and connect with their community.
Locally, REI staff identify regional organizations whose missions focus on improving access to outdoor recreation places, as well as those connecting nearby underrepresented communities to time outdoors.
More broadly, the co-op partners with state and national nonprofits that advocate for policies to protect the outdoors, for everyone. Last year, these combined efforts equated to $6.9 million invested in 503 nonprofits.
The co-op also runs a publicly supported charity called the REI Cooperative Action Fund. The community supported nonprofit partners with nonprofits to build a more equitable outdoors. REI store teams also can recommend local nonprofits to receive support from the REI Fund. To learn more about recipients in New York visit https://www.reifund.org/grantees/locations.
