KENT, Wash. (BRAIN) — REI Co-op will open some of its 162 stores on a limited basis this week after closing two months ago because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eric Artz, president and CEO, said in a statement to co-op members Tuesday morning the goal is to open "more than half" of the stores for curbside pick-up for online orders in time for REI's Anniversary Sale from May 15-25. A "small number" of stores will open to a limited number of customers at a time.
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REI employees will be required to wear face masks in stores, distribution centers and locations staffed by employees deemed "essential personnel." Stores, which will undergo enhanced cleaning procedures, will have temperature check devices for employees upon arrival, with anyone with a fever of 100.4 or higher required to go home.
Customers will be asked to wear face masks while inside stores, with disposable face masks and gloves available. This will not be a requirement, unless it's a local government mandate. REI will implement 6-foot social distancing standards at store entrances, registers (which will have plexiglass shields installed) and shop counters. Store managers will be empowered to stop operations if maintaining social distancing is not possible.
Fitting rooms and drinking fountains will not be available. Artz said in the coming weeks, REI will offer zero-contact shop services for bike maintenance at its stores.
All REI stores closed indefinitely March 25 with most REI.com orders shipped free. REI began a 90-day furlough for the majority of its retail and field employees on April 15.
