Retail and outdoor recreation services company REI Co-op today opened the doors to its new Mount Pleasant location at 1720 Shoremeade Road.
“We’ve had many highlights opening the store, including meeting residents who share our excitement to be part of the community and connecting with nonprofits doing incredible work to protect natural spaces and help others achieve an active lifestyle,” said Lori Bump, REI store manager.
The outdoor retail brand regularly partners with local nonprofit organizations to create greater access to outdoor spaces.
“Our team recently partnered with Palmetto Conservation Foundation at the Swamp Fox Passage on the Palmetto Trail to build bog bridges and to perform trail maintenance,” Bump said.
To celebrate joining the Mount Pleasant community, REI will invest $10,000 each to two local nonprofits: Charleston Waterkeeper and Coastal Expeditions Foundation.
Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro Rue Mapp signed copies of her newly released book, Nature Swagger at the new location during today’s grand opening.
The celebration doesn’t stop there: REI is also hosting a three-day grand opening event through Sunday. Community members are invited to stop by for live music, giveaways and a variety of outdoor vendors. An outdoor social will be held every afternoon this weekend from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The new 21,500-square-foot retail store will feature signature outdoor gear for camping, hiking, cycling, running, paddling and climbing from brands including Adidas, Altra, Cascade Designs, ENO Hammocks, Gregory Mtn Products, HOKANEMO Equipment, Nikwax, Oboz Footwear, Sea to Summit and more.
This location will also offer a bike and ski shop with certified mechanics.
REI representatives said the company has hired 55 new employees for the Mount Pleasant location.
Over the last five years, the co-op has invested nearly $204,000 in South Carolina-based nonprofit partners. Recent recipients include Anne Springs Close Greenway, Conestee Foundation Inc., Friends of Harbison State Forest, Friends of Paris Mountain, Friends of Sesqui and Palmetto Conservation Foundation.
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