REI Co-op opens new store in West Hartford, Connecticut on April 27

New location will offer improved store experience, dedicated space for REI Outdoor School

Apr 17, 2018

SEATTLE – Outdoor co-op REI will be officially open for business in its new West Hartford location at Corbin’s Corner on April 27, just three miles from its current location. The new 25,000 square foot store will offer free parking for customers and feature a dedicated community room for REI Outdoor School classes. The relocation of REI West Hartford is part of the co-op’s plan to continue to support the growing outdoor community in Connecticut, including more than 37,000 REI members in Hartford alone.

“This new store is going to be an incredible resource for the big outdoor community in West Hartford,” said Andy Hodgson, REI West Hartford store manager. “We’re going to improve the customer experience with things like free parking, we’re offering world class gear for hikers, bikers, paddlers and snow sports lovers, and we’re going to have a permanent home for REI Outdoor School.”

REI Outdoor School is a national leader in outdoor education, teaching more than 375,000 people across the country last year. REI Outdoor School will continue to offer free and low-cost classes like Bikepacking and Adventure Cycling, Paddling Basics and Smartphone Photography. Customers can also continue to enjoy low-cost maintenance and repairs at REI West Hartford’s bike, and ski and snowboard shops.

REI is celebrating its new location in West Hartford with public activities, events and giveaways throughout the weekend. The store opens at 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. on Sunday.

  • Enjoy free food and activities: Starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, REI West Hartford will host a party in the 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.
  • Shop early, get rewards: The first 250 people (age 18 and up) through the door on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will receive a limited-edition Nalgene water bottle with a $10, $50 or $100 REI promotional card inside.
  • Local partnerships: REI is partnering with local Hanging Hills Brewing Company on a limited-edition India pale ale, dubbed the “Old New England Trail.” Together, REI and Hanging Hills Brewing Company are donating 10 percent of beer sales to the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association, the nonprofit organization that maintains the New England Trail. Read more about the partnership here.

REI has been a part of the West Hartford community since 2007. In 2017, REI donated $44,500 to the local outdoor community in Connecticut and has longstanding partnerships with Riverfront Recapture, Ragged Mountain Foundation and Appalachian Mountain Club. With more than 64,000 members in the state, REI also has stores in Milford (opened 2016) and Norwalk (opened 2010).

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 23 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 184 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.