REI Co-op hosting grand opening social

REI Co-op, a specialty retail outdoor recreation equipment store in Beachwood’s Pinecrest development, is hosting a grand opening gala this weekend.

Founded in Seattle in 1938, and now headquartered in Kent, Washington, Recreational Equipment, Inc. opened its first Cleveland store May 5. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of more than 17 million members, with 152 stores in 35 states and Washington, D.C.

REI’s new 27,000-squarefoot store offers a wide assortment of outdoor gear, experiences and expertise, in addition to a full-service bike, ski and snowboard shop.

With access to Interstate 271, REI aims to connect members to the area’s well-known outdoor destinations like Lake Erie, Cleveland Metroparks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

“Cleveland is home to more than 13,000 active REI members,” store manager Ethan Sheets said. “We’re proud to be a part of this large and vibrant outdoor community.”

REI Cleveland is also home to REI Outdoor School, offering classes to educate, encourage and inspire outdoor experiences.

The store opens at 10 a.m. June 23 and 11 a.m. June 24. REI is celebrating the grand opening with free activities, events and giveaways, open to the public.

Starting at 8 a.m. on both days, REI will host a party in its parking lot with free breakfast, music, games and REI Outdoor School classes. Vendors will also be on-site until noon, with exclusive giveaways and demonstrations.

Each day, the first 250 people (ages 18 and up) to enter the store will receive a limited-edition water bottle and an REI gift card, ranging from $5 to $100.

In celebration of the new store, REI invested a total of $20,000 in two Cleveland nonprofits dedicated to stewarding local outdoor spaces: Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association and Buckeye Trail Association.

Last year, REI donated $60,000 to the local outdoor community in Ohio. With more than 96,000 members in the state, REI also has a location in Cincinnati and two stores in Columbus.

REI Co-op is located at 411 Park Ave., Suite 143, in Beachwood.

For more information, visit www.rei.com/stores/cleveland.html.

CHAD FELTON — THE NEWS-HERALD REI Co-op, one of four in the state, and the first in Cleveland, opened last month in the new Pinecrest development in Beachwood. This weekend, the specialty outdoor retailer is hosting a free grand opening gala open to the public.