SEATTLE -- December 20, 2005 -- In an effort to support its future retail growth
with an expanded presence in the eastern U.S.,
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail co-
op providing quality outdoor gear and apparel, today
announced plans for a second distribution center to be
located in Bedford, Pa.
REI selected Bedford as the site of its second
distribution center following a comprehensive search,
which included consideration of multiple sites in the mid- Atlantic region the general transit corridor determined
by REI to be best for its distribution needs. "Local,
county and state officials responded very positively to
REI locating in Bedford, which has a proven
infrastructure for distribution facilities and has great
proximity to our east coast retail locations," said Dave
Presley, REI vice president of distribution and logistics.
Construction of the planned 400,000 square-foot facility,
to be located on approximately 35-acres in the Bedford
County Business Park, will begin next year for full-
capacity completion in early 2008, and will employ
nearly 350 full-, part-time and seasonal employees.
Upon completion, the distribution center is expected to
process approximately 40 percent of REI`s total product
flow. REI`s distribution system supports the company`s
direct sales, 82 retail stores, and last year reported
sales of $887 million. The Bedford facility will
complement REI`s Sumner, Wash.-based distribution
center, which was recently expanded to nearly 700,000
square feet to meet the company`s immediate inventory
and distribution needs.
"As we grow and expand our retail and direct sales
presence, so has our need to expand our distribution
capacity," said Presley. "Our distribution facility in the
eastern region will allow us to continue to provide the
high level of customer service and wide product
selection that REI is known for, and will prepare us for
future growth, particularly in the east."
REI has had an east coast retail presence since 1987
when it opened stores in Reading, Mass. and College
Park, Md. Most recently REI opened stores in Pittsburgh
and Raleigh, and announced plans for new stores in
Greensboro, N.C.; Pineville, N.C.; and West Hartford,
Conn. Currently REI has 18 retail stores located east of
the Mississippi River that serve nearly 750,000 of REI`s
2.5 million active members.
REI is known for its unique blend of accessible
expertise, interactive shopping experience and quality
gear for camping, climbing, cycling, hiking, outdoor
fitness, paddling and snow sports. The new distribution
center, which will supply REI stores with everything
from kayaks to carabiners, is expected to better serve
REI`s growing membership in the east with more
frequent product replenishment, decreased delivery
times and faster turnaround time for REI`s store pickup
service which allows customers to order online and
pick up their purchases at the retail store of their
choosing without incurring shipping charges.
At a gathering today to announce REI`s decision, Presley
praised the governor and Pennsylvania`s economic
development team for their efforts in attracting and
welcoming REI to area. "The state`s support and
understanding of our business needs has been truly
amazing, and we look forward to becoming an active
member of the community," added Presley.
"REI`s decision to locate an east coast distribution
facility in Pennsylvania is great news for Bedford and
the entire region," Gov. Edward G. Rendell said. "REI
could have gone anywhere, but looked at what we
offered and picked Pennsylvania for this investment.
We continue to use our resources to help companies like
REI grow and create new opportunities. At the same
time, we are investing in our people and in the
revitalization of our communities. This is a tribute to
our economic development team."
"Bedford County and REI are an excellent fit. We share
a service-oriented work ethic, a passion for outdoor
recreation and a commitment to environmental and
historical preservation," added Bette Slayton, president
of the Bedford County Development Association. "REI,
well known as one of the country`s best employers and
a strong supporter of communities in which it does
business, will also bring significant new job growth and
capital investment to our region."
REI, which has been named to FORTUNE
magazine`s "100 Best Companies to Work For in
America" list for eight consecutive years, announced in
October that it will begin providing healthcare benefits to
all part-time and seasonal employees effective Jan. 1,
Other benefits offered to REI employees include flexible
scheduling, gear discounts, free gear rentals, tuition
reimbursement, performance-based incentive program
and gear grants to support employees` personal outdoor
adventure challenges.
REI is an outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring,
educating and outfitting its more than two million active
members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor
adventure. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific
Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI
operates retail stores nationwide, two online stores
REI.com and REI-OUTLET.com and an adventure travel
company, REI Adventures. REI offers products from all
of the top brands for human-powered outdoor
recreation, including its own line of award-winning gear
and apparel. While anyone may join or shop at REI,
members pay a one-time $15 fee and receive a share in
the company`s profits through an annual member refund
based on their purchases. As an active supporter of
communities in which it does business, REI is committed
to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing
access to outdoor recreation through education, gear
donations and financial contributions.
CONTACTS:
Randy Hurlow, Public Relations Manager
Recreational Equipment, Inc.
253/395-5877 (office)
206/778-5523 (cell)
rhurlow@rei.com
Penny Kline, Deputy Press Secretary
PA Dept. of Community & Economic Development
717/214-5335 (office)
pekline@state.pa.us
Bette Slayton, President
Bedford County Development Association
814/623-4816 (office)
slayton@bcda.org
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