Specialty outdoor retailer will open at Mills Crossing
Recreational Equipment Inc., more commonly known as REI, announced today that it will open a store in the Mills Crossing mixed-use development at 60th Street and Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines. REI said it will occupy a 23,500-square-foot, one-story building later this year and will employ about 50 people.
Hurd Real Estate Services is developing Mills Crossing on about 20 acres of land. Last week, the Business Record reported that specialty grocer The Fresh Market Inc. has signed a 10-year lease for a store at Mills Crossing.
“The region boasts an active population including 3,600 REI members, but today the nearest REI is more than 200 miles away,” according to a release from Kent, Wash.-based REI, which announced three new stories, including the West Des Moines store, today.
“The stores will feature the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel. Each location will offer year-round REI Outdoor School classes and a bicycle shop for expert assembly and repairs. Water sports hard goods such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards will be available on seasonal basis in West Des Moines,” according to the release.
REI is a privately held company that is organized as a consumers’ cooperative. It was founded in 1938 and has a reputation for supplying high-end and sometimes difficult-to-find outdoor gear.