The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
REI Co-op now open
Retail outdoor recreation store is first in NE Ohio
Founded in 1938 in Seattle by 23 mountaineering and climbing partners, REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), headquartered in Kent, Washington, is the nation’s largest consumer cooperative, specializing in educating, inspiring and outfitting outdoor adventure and stewardship.
With three stores already in Ohio — one in Cincinnati and two in Columbus — Northeast Ohio has welcomed its first REI to the new Pinecrest development in Beachwood.
And it makes sense: Cleveland has 14,000-plus REI Co-op members, a fact the company has been wildly cognizant of, according to Store Manager Ethan Sheets.
“We had a responsibility to them, and this area,” he said. “We needed to be here.”
Designed to be environmentally friendly, the store is laid out with multiple gathering spaces intended for collaboration, product and activity instruction, and customer inquiries, from novices to seasoned professionals.
“You can walk in and not be afraid to not know something,” Sheets said. “We’re here to help you in any outdoor endeavor. Out staff is trained to answer questions and address issues related to respective outdoor recreational activities, from camping and biking to climbing and cycling.”
Sheets also pointed out that everything in the store is made to be handled so consumers can purchase items with confidence.
Local relevance is also reflected in the shop, with maps and other displays depicting areas marked with staff and customer recommendations/guidance for backpacking, hiking, running, kayaking, and general outdoor exploration, some as far south as Hocking Hills.
“Northeast Ohio is my favorite part of the state,” Sheets said. “It has so much to offer. It has one of the most underrated outdoor communities I’ve ever experienced. The Emerald Necklace is an absolute gem of a setup making this community better. They’ve been a partner since we got here. That’s why it makes sense for us to be here. That’s why the company wanted a store here.
“Cleveland has been a goal for REI for a long time, and REI isn’t trying to take over, we want to partner with everyone who’s already here, hopefully elevating what’s already established,” he added. “We also take pride being environmentally conscious, being part of the region’s environmental footprint.”
Every year, REI donates millions of dollars to support conservation efforts nationwide and sends dedicated teams of volunteers — members, customers and REI employees — to build trails, clean up beaches, restore local habitats and more.
Last year, REI took 70 percent of all its operating profits and gave it to outdoor nonprofits. The company gave $20,000 when it arrived in Cleveland to outdoor nonprofits, including Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association, responsible for building and maintaining the trails in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Though REI officially opened May 5, the store will host a grand opening the weekend of June 22-24.
The store hosts classes on Appalachian Trail and Pacific Coast Trail trip planning, for intrepid hikers one day wishing to tackle the long-distance trails, and also less daunting endeavors such as international travel basics, hands-on bike maintenance, and women’s backpacking basics.
REI also offers meeting space free of charge to nonprofit organizations, supports conservation efforts and organizes annual outdoor service outings.
“Everyone’s outdoor experience is different,” Sheets said. “Through our partnerships and our community initiatives, we’re looking forward to being a part of the established outdoor culture here. A life outdoors is a life well-lived. There is no negative effect when it comes to being outdoors.”
“A life outdoors is a life well-lived. There is no negative effect when it comes to being outdoors.”
— Store Manager Ethan Sheets