REI’s Seattle Flagship Store Featured on ABCs “The Bachelor” February 2

Jan 29, 2009

Outdoor retailer REI ’s Seattle flagship store is one of the backdrops for the anticipated Monday, February 2 episode of ABC’s highly rated reality show “The Bachelor.” As a top tourist destination in the Puget Sound region, the nearly 100,000 square-foot store was selected for a private “one-on-one date” to showcase the outdoor recreation interests of Jason Mesnick, the show’s bachelor.

The episode will air on Monday, February 2 at 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central) on ABC affiliates across the country. The episode will also be available for viewing online at http://abc.go.com/primetime/bachelor on Tuesday, February 3. The date features the couple in REI-branded gear and apparel ascending the store’s 65-foot pinnacle, one of the world’s tallest indoor climbing structures, and enjoying private time in front of the two-story rock fireplace, considered the flagship store’s focal point.

For couples everywhere, recreating in nature is a cost-effective way to spend time together. To support healthy lifestyles and serve as a resource for enthusiasts of all interests and abilities, REI stores across the country host a wide variety of free classes and events year-round. Members and customers can learn about specific events through calendar listings posted at their local REI or by visiting www.rei.com and accessing the store’s calendar listings. Additionally, REI’s website provides a wealth of information for gear and product information, recommendations for where to recreate, and other helpful expertise.

REI congratulates Jason on his reported proposal to one of the women participating on the reality show. REI’s Gift Registry serves as a fun, distinctive resource for couples and partners that increasingly request nontraditional items from friends and family members. Launched in 2004, thousands of couples each year register at the co-op for items that will help them recreate together for a lifetime of outdoor adventure. The most frequently requested items in the registry are camping gear for entry-level and experienced enthusiasts, such as tents, chairs, table sets and more.

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.comREI 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.