There’s a well of smaller, independent outdoor outfitters in Tampa Bay, but it’s still noteworthy to find out that national outdoor retailer, and co-op, REI will open a location in Tampa Bay.
The 22,500-square-foot store will live on the ground level of Midtown One at the new Midtown Tampa development under construction at the intersection of I-275 and Dale Mabry Highway.
In a release, developer Bromley Companies said the store — which has Florida locations in Winter Park and Jacksonville — should be open by spring 2021. More than 300,000 lifetime REI co-op members — who pay $20 to become a lifetime member and share some of the company’s profits in an annual dividend — already live in the state.
“REI has been part of our vision for Midtown since the beginning, especially with the company’s significant membership base in Florida,” Bromley CEO Nicholas Haines said. “REI is a perfect fit with Midtown’s other wellness focused tenants, including Whole Foods Market and True Food Kitchen, combined with our outdoor amenities to help foster connections and ultimately improve the health of the community."
The Tampa location expected to hire 45 employees who’ll enjoy the full gamut of bennys, including two paid “Yay Days” and a paid day off Black Friday. Apply via rei.com.
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