Recreational Equipment Inc, also known as REI, announced that they will be opening their first Maine retail store in Westbrook this fall. The 25,000 square foot store will be located right next to a Market Basket (New England supermarket chain) in the mixed-use Rock Row development. REI is planning on hiring fifty people to help run the store. This REI will feature a ski and snowboard shop, bike shop, “virtual outfitting“, and curbside pickup of online orders.
REI is a nationwide chain that specializes in outdoor gear and adventures. The company employs 15,000 workers at 165 stores in 39 states across the country. It is also a member-owned Co-Op, meaning they share the profits with their members, along with investing in local communities and charitable causes. 47,000 Mainers are already REI members, and that number will likely exponentially grow after this announcement.