Dec 1 - REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), a national retailer providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, has just announced plans to open a new store in Woodbridge, Va. at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center in the spring of 2012.

REI's store in Montana

The two-story, 25,000 sq. ft. (7,620 m2) store will offer the top brands of gear and apparel for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel products. REI Woodbridge will house a bike shop for quick assemblies and repairs, in addition to a seasonal gear rental department for customers to attempt new activities. The new store will also host a community space for REI and its local partners to hold outdoor-related classes, presentations and events.

REI currently serves more than 145,000 members in the DC area and has 18,500 members within 15 miles of the new Woodbridge store. REI operates 114 retail stores nationwide and two online stores – rei.com and REI-OUTLET.com – in addition to manufacturing its own award-winning REI brand and Novara bike products. The company will recruit approximately 50 people for the new store who share a passion for the outdoors and a commitment to providing quality customer service.

Although it operates as a consumer cooperative, anyone may shop at REI. Members pay a one-time $20 fee and receive a share in the company’s profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. Earlier this year, more than $80 million in annual refunds was distributed to more than 3.9 million active members based on the co-op’s 2009 sales.