EUGENE, Ore. — Early next year, REI Co-op will relocate its Eugene store to the Oakway Center, aiming to offer a more extensive array of outdoor products and gear. The Seattle-based outdoor recreation retailer announced the relocation plans on Wednesday, confirming intentions to move to this more central location within the city.
Bob Cagle, REI’s regional director, revealed this exciting development to local patrons, noting, "Our new Oakway Center location will be the second largest REI store in Oregon, only behind our Beaverton location, which previously opened its doors last year." This move will mark a significant upgrade for the Eugene store, which has called the historic Eugene Planing Mill Building at 306 Lawrence St. home since 1992.
The current locale, reportedly one of the smallest REI stores nationwide, spans roughly 20,000 square feet. The upcoming expansion, set to measure at 30,120 square feet, will not only house larger assortments of footwear, cycling, and camping equipment but will also feature several service enhancements. This includes improved dressing rooms and ample warehouse space to streamline operations.
According to Cagle, “Our Oakway Center space will be one level and nearly 10,000 square feet larger than the current store, enabling an incredible experience for customers and staff through a highly accessible floor design.” The new site will include several specialty service areas: full-service bike and ski shops, and the Re/Supply department, which offers pre-owned gear and apparel at reduced prices.
The relocation isn't merely about space; it reflects REI Co-op's commitment to enhancing the customer experience, especially for the 137,000 lifetime members registered within Eugene and 988,000 members across Oregon. The company is dedicated to providing expert advice and products catering to outdoor enthusiasts, including additional hiring opportunities as the transition approaches.
This impending move also raises questions about the future of current employees. The Eugene location has 41 employees, all of whom are welcome to join the transition to the new site. Cagle expressed optimism about staffing, stating, "Decisions on additional hirings will be made later this year." This assurance follows REI's earlier announcement of substantial layoffs related to its Experiences division, which shuttered after 40 years of operation.
The closure of the Experiences business has been met with mixed reactions, especially considering the layoffs affected 428 employees across retail storefronts nationwide. Many community members have voiced concerns over job security and how upcoming changes may alter the dynamics within the local retail market.
Locally, REI is not just another store; it serves as part of the cultural fabric of Eugene, encouraging outdoor activities and fostering community engagement through various events. The anticipated relocation to the Oakway Center is positioned to strengthen this connection, aiming at promoting accessibility to outdoor adventures for all.
For those interested, REI has set up a website for alerts on job openings related to the new store location at rei.jobs/careers-home. This initiative provides local job seekers with timely updates as the company gears up for its new chapter.
The new premises are strategically located at 95 Oakway Center, previously occupied by the Bed Bath & Beyond department store. This change reflects REI Co-op's broader strategy of optimizing its retail footprint within urban spaces, aiming to appeal to both seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and those just beginning their outdoor adventures.
With operations set to resume at the new location early next year, locals are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for more details on the grand opening and what the expanded store will bring. This transition is not only significant for REI but speaks volumes about the evolution of retail spaces, adapting to community needs and preferences.