Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open a store in College Station, Texas in fall 2024, less than a half mile from Texas A&M University. The location will offer a wide assortment of outdoor gear and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, climbing, and more, including a full-service bike shop will be staffed by certified mechanics. REI expects to hire approximately 40 employees for the new College Station store.
"College Station and the surrounding region have many natural places to play, explore and relax so being outside can be part of everyday life," said Kristen Engels, REI regional director. "With incredible settings for hiking, camping, mountain biking, trail running and much more so close to the city, the co-op looks forward to being a resource when we open our 11th store in the state. We also are excited to develop partnerships with local nonprofits to support their efforts to welcome more people outside."
REI is the country's largest consumer co-op. Everyone is welcome to shop REI and tap into the vast amount of expertise provided by the co-op's store staff and online resources. Members who join the co-op enjoy a wide range of benefits, including a used gear trade-in program called Re/Supply; discounts on shop services and experiences; a share of the co-op's annual profits based on qualifying purchases; and more.
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. The REI Fund provides support to nonprofit organizations across the country doing essential work to create a more equitable outdoors for everyone. As part of the REI College Station grand opening, a donation will be made to a local nonprofit. Since launching in 2021, the REI Fund has invested $815,000 in 19 Texas nonprofits. To learn more about REI Cooperative Action Fund grantees in Texas, visit www.reifund.org/grantees.