REI Co-op announced Tuesday that it's new Billings store will open next spring at the corner of King Avenue West and Shiloh Road.
The new 22,000-square-foot space is on the northwest corner of the intersection and will have a specialty bike shop for maintenance and repairs.
“Billings is an incredible outdoor community and we look forward to further connecting our local members and visitors to their favorite outdoor places and activities,” said Janet Hopkins, REI regional director for the mountain region, in a news release. “Whether our members are hiking one of the area’s many trails or road tripping along the scenic Beartooth Highway, we can help them plan any kind of adventure.”
The Tuesday announcement is the company's first public acknowledgment of the Billings store. Billings-based developer Corning Companies filed permits in September to build the store.
Kent, Wash-based REI (which stands for Recreational Equipment Inc.) is one of the country’s largest outdoor co-ops, with 18 million lifetime members, more than 13,000 employees and 155 stores in 35 states.
Officials there said the co-op works with nonprofits to steward trails and public lands to connect people to the outdoors. REI invested $63,000 in Montana's outdoor community this year and has a longstanding partnership with Missoula-based National Forest Foundation.
The company plans additional investments in Billings as the opening date grows near.
