REI Co-op is opening its first location in Maine, bringing quality outdoor gear and renowned expertise to the Greater Portland area in fall 2021.
The approximately 24,400 square-foot store will be part of the new Rock Row development in Westbrook and will serve as a home base for the co-op's 47,000 lifetime members in Maine by inspiring and enabling a life outside for all. REI will offer top-quality gear for the activities that each season offers, ranging from paddling to cold weather gear.
"A part of the New England community since we opened our first store in Massachusetts in 1987, we're thrilled to expand our regional presence with our first store in Maine," says Becky Smith, REI's Northeast regional director. "We are especially excited to share a passion with the community for spending time outside year-round, from trekking through the snow to paddling along the coast."
As a member-owned co-op, REI shares annual profits with its members and invests in the local communities where they reside and recreate. As part of the co-op's philanthropy commitment, REI actively works with nonprofits across the country to steward and maintain local trails, parks, and public lands to connect people to the outdoors. In 2021, REI invested more than $150,000 in nonprofit organizations throughout New England. As REI gets closer to opening in Maine, the co-op will invest $20,000 into the local outdoor community.
Join the REI team
REI expects to hire more than 45 employees for the Westbrook location. Candidates can set up a job alert to be notified when positions are posted on REI's career site. Candidates interested in joining the REI team at any local store can apply online at REI.com/jobs. All employees receive a wide variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions. REI employees also enjoy unique perks, such as two paid "Co-op Way Days" each year that allow them to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity and an additional paid day off on Black Friday to encourage all employees to #OptOutside.
Store Facts
- Address: 90 Rock Row Westbrook, ME 04092
- Square footage: Approximately 24,400 square feet
- Open date: Fall 2021
- Special features: Bike shop, ski and snowboard shop, buy online - pick up in store, curbside pickup, virtual outfitting
- REI Co-op membership: 47,000 lifetime members in Maine
- Existing New England stores: Boston (MA), Cranston (RI), Framingham (MA), Hingham (MA), Milford (CT), North Conway (NH), Norwalk (CT), Reading (MA), West Harford (CT), Williston (VT)
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 more than 20 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 168 locations in 39 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.
