REI Opening Prescott Store in Fall

Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-Op plans to open a new store in Prescott this fall to sell an assortment of apparel and gear for camping, cycling, running, hiking, paddling, climbing and other open-air pursuits.

The 25,000-square-foot store will be in Frontier Village, the sprawling retail center on Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribal land at 1841 AZ-69, east of downtown Prescott in a space near Sportsman’s Warehouse. Store features will include a full service bike repair shop staffed by certified mechanics, store pickup for online orders and curbside pickup.

“We look forward to joining the Prescott community, a long-respected destination for mountain biking, bouldering, climbing and hiking at nearby natural gems such as the national preserve, Prescott Circle Trail,

Watson Lake, Watson Woods Riparian Preserve and more,” said Kristen Engels, REI regional director.

“Our team will also build lasting relationships with nonprofits to support efforts that protect natural places and connect people to the outdoors,” she said.

The company is the nation’s largest consumer co-op and reports having 9,000 members in Prescott, where the nearest stores in Flagstaff and Phoenix are both about 95 miles away. Co-op members get several benefits for a $30 one-time membership, including a trade-in program for gently used gear including backpacks, camping and bike supplies, shoes and clothing. Anyone can get advice and feedback from knowledgeable employees and the Expert Advice resource on the company’s website.

The store will create about 50 jobs, and those who want to apply can do so at www.rei.com/jobs. REI says all employees will receive a wide variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions.

The Seattle-based retailer is an active donor to organizations supporting openspace preservation and equal access to outdoor activities and supports Arizona nonprofits including Arizona Trail Association, Ability 360, Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund, Adaptive Adventures, Atabey Outdoors, Black Girls RUN! Foundation, Latino Outdoors, Native Womens Wilderness and SiiHasin.

It is known for closing its more than 180 locations on Black Friday to encourage its employees and customers to opt for outside recreation that day.