Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national co-op providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced Mark K. Comstock has joined the co-op in the newly created role of vice president, Real Estate and Store Development.
Mark’s leadership responsibilities include new store site acquisition and development, management of REI’s growing companywide portfolio of real estate assets, and facilities management of the co-op’s headquarters in Kent, Wash. The company currently operates 113 stores across the country; its Columbia, Md. store opens in early November.
“With more than 25 years of real estate and store development experience, Mark brings great talent to our organization as we navigate the complex commercial real estate market,” said Ivar Chhina, REI executive vice president and chief financial officer. “His leadership complements our focus on our continued strategic growth, in which we’re making a significant investment.”
Mark most recently served as vice president, Real Estate and Facilities for T-Mobile USA, a national provider of wireless voice, data and messaging services. At T-Mobile, he led the Operating Real Estate group with responsibility for the administrative, technical and warehouse real estate portfolio. Previously, he served as vice president, Real Estate and Asset Management at Eddie Bauer, Inc.; led leasing, design, construction and facilities at Egghead Software; and was associate general counsel and vice president, Retail Development for a regional real estate developer based in Bellevue, Wash.
“I am very excited to join the REI team and have long admired the co-op professionally and personally as a customer,” said Comstock. “The company is well positioned to serve our members and customers through new stores, expansions and remodels while we utilize these locations to help welcome and introduce individuals to healthy outdoor lifestyles.”
Comstock is a Puget Sound native. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University and a Juris Doctorate from Seattle University.
About REI
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.