Zipping Through 2023 with REI Co-op's Store Expansion Plans
Retailer REI to expand with 12 upcoming store openings in near future
REI Co-op, the fan-favorite outdoor gear retailer, is slating a grand expansion of 10 new stores this year, they announced just the other day.
The great outdoors is moving in to Beavercreek, Ohio, and Beaverton, Oregon, this spring. Hang tight, folks, because Glendale, Arizona; Ithaca, New York; and Rancho Mirage, California, will also get their share this summer. As fall rolls around, don't be surprised if Albany, New York, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, welcome REI as their new neighbor. Three more spots are yet to be pinned down, as contracts reach their final hurrahs.
With aspirations set for the year after, REI plans to install two more stores in St. George, Utah, and Durango, Colorado, according to their official press release.
The hiring process is underway, with the company aiming to employ around 50 individuals at each location. They're staunch supporters of fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that champions an active lifestyle for all. Perks include product and service discounts, competitive wages, and retirement benefits, not to mention some well-deserved time off to enjoy the great outdoors – even on Black Friday. For years, REI's been shuttering its doors on the shopping spree day as part of its #OptOutside movement.
To align with their progressive reputation, REI's hunting for candidates who embody shared values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism. Now, let's chat about the talk – questions have arisen about how REI treats its unionized employees and unionization in general.
While REI has faced some heat over contract negotiations and efforts to unionize, the company's official stance is that they prioritize an open dialogue and collective decision-making, with each store tackling issues at a local level. FYI, there have been rumblings about scheduling and pay concerns during negotiations, but REI maintains that they're dedicated to finding fair and equitable solutions for all employees.
Now, about union exclusion from benefits and alleged tactics to dampen union support – that's a tricky topic. Union members in places like Berkeley claim to have been denied bonuses and wage increases, but REI dismissed these allegations as unfounded.
As for the NLRB complaints, well, let's not forget that every relationship has its speed bumps. REI and the National Labor Relations Board saw some friction over withheld pay for unionized employees, but the dispute's currently being settled.
On a brighter note, a new CEO, Mary Beth Laughton, recently took the helm, stirring whispers of a fresh approach to labor issues and potentially better days ahead for REI's unionized workers and the broader community.
So, gents and gals, gear up for REI's expansion – the great outdoors is coming your way!
- In 2023, REI Co-op, a leading retailer in the outdoor industry, expects to expand its presence with the addition of 10 new stores.
- The retailer plans to bring their stores to Beavercreek, Ohio, Beaverton, Oregon, Glendale, Arizona, Ithaca, New York, Rancho Mirage, California, Albany, New York, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and three undisclosed locations this year.
- As they grow, REI Co-op values diversity and inclusion, aiming to employ around 50 individuals at each location who share their values.
- The benefits package for new hires includes product and service discounts, competitive wages, retirement benefits, and time off to enjoy the outdoors – even on Black Friday.
- In keeping with their progressive reputation, REI Co-op's hiring practices prioritize candidates who embody values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism, but questions have arisen about their handling of unionized employees and unionization in general.
- Despite some controversies over contract negotiations, pay concerns, and allegations of union exclusion from benefits, REI Co-op remains dedicated to finding fair and equitable solutions for all employees, with a new CEO, Mary Beth Laughton, looking to usher in a fresh approach to labor issues and potentially improve union relations.
