REI to bring first outdoor experience center to New Hampshire

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Dec 20, 2018

REI is opening its first location in New Hampshire, which will double as the outdoor goods company's first ever outdoor experience center. The store is set to open in the fall of 2019. 

Located in Carroll County's North Conway village, the nearly 25,000-square-foot store at Settlers Crossing mall will offer gear rentals, equipment demos and guided outdoor experiences, in addition to the brand's regular range of outdoor apparel and accessories. 

The North Conway store will offer workshops, classes, and guided day trips to those looking to experience the New Hampshire's White Mountains. Prior to the new store's opening, REI said it will look for even more ways to invest in the state’s outdoor community.

“As the gateway to the White Mountains, North Conway is the perfect community to unveil the co-op’s newest retail format, which will focus on outdoor experiences,” said Rachel Ligtenberg, REI's vice president of retail in a press release. “We are continuing to shape this new store format, with the goal of becoming the one-stop shop for every kind of adventurer. From the seasoned expert who owns their own gear, to the family looking to spend the day trying something new, REI North Conway will be a launching pad for outdoor activities in the White Mountains.”
 
According to the co-op, REI currently has nearly 53,000 members in New Hampshire and also offers guided outdoor trips in the region's White Mountains through REI Adventures, the company's active adventure travel company. As part of its commitment to environmental activism, REIi has also supported trail work in the White Mountains National Forest.

The co-op's newest location will join eight other REI stores throughout New England, including four in Massachusetts, three in Connecticut and one in Rhode Island.