Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open in Beavercreek, Ohio in spring 2024. The store will offer a wide assortment of apparel, gear and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, paddling, climbing, snow sports and more. In addition, certified mechanics will tune and repair equipment through a full-service bike, ski and snowboard shop.
"We look forward to joining the outdoor community in the outdoor capital of the Midwest. Even before we open our doors in Beavercreek, we have served 28,000 REI members who have traveled up to an hour to visit our stores in Cincinnati and Columbus," said Sean Sampson, 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."
As the country's largest consumer co-op, anyone is welcome to tap into the expertise of REI's store staff and online resources such as its Expert Advice library to learn or advance skills, plan adventures, and more. Members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits, including a used gear program called Re/Supply to find great deals on lightly used gear and trade-in products for gift cards, discounts on shop services and experiences, an annual Co-op Member Reward of 10% back on eligible purchases, and more.
REI's philanthropy efforts are centered on the belief that 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. In Ohio, 29 nonprofits received $601,000 in grant funding from the co-op.
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 Ohio visit https://www.reifund.org/grantees/locations.
REI expects to hire approximately 45 employees for Beavercreek. Candidates interested in joining the team can learn more and apply online at REI.jobs. Candidates can set a job alert on the co-op's career site to be notified when positions post. All employees receive a wide variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions. REI employees also enjoy unique perks, such as two paid annual "Co-op Way Days" that allow them to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity and an additional paid day off on Black Friday to #OptOutside. REI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables a life outdoors for everyone. The co-op seeks candidates who demonstrate shared values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism.