REI supports gives Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay $10,000 grant to support UTC efforts; Richmond, VA

REI to Outfit Richmond Through New Store at West Broad Village
May 29, 2009 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
REI to Outfit Richmond Through New Store at West Broad Village
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to open a new store in Richmond, Va. at West Broad Village in November of 2009.
“With easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic coast, we’re excited to join the Richmond community and be a gateway for people and families exploring these areas,” said Gail Kirkland, REI retail director for the South. “Our new store will serve as a resource for both outdoor enthusiasts and our non-profit partners that are working to inspire people to get outside and conserve the natural spaces where we all enjoy recreating.”
The co-op also partners with non-profit organizations through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions. Although the store is not opening until later this year, REI has already begun partnering with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay through a $10,000 grant to support its Urban Tree Canopy program and to assist in establishing an outdoor classroom program in Richmond. The co-op will also help recruit volunteers to enhance water quality and preserve wildlife habitat with the Alliance and other non-profit conservation and outdoor organizations in the area.