REI in more expansion; names VP, merchandise planning/inventory management

Add another location to REI Co-op's new store game plan. 

The specialty outdoor retailer will open a 17,000-sq.-ft. store  at South Meadow Marketplace in Ithaca, N.Y., in summer 2024.  In addition to a wide assortment of apparel and gear for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, paddling, climbing, snowsports and more, the location will include a full-service bike shop and a ski and snowboard shop.

“We look forward to being a resource to the outdoor community, including 23,600 REI members, and those who are active across the Finger Lakes region, said Sonny Russell, REI regional director. “Today, our nearest store is more than 90 miles away from Ithaca in Rochester. As we do in every community where we have a presence, REI will also establish partnerships with nonprofits doing incredible work to protect natural places and create belonging in the outdoors.”

REI previously announced plans to open a nearly 40,000-sq.-ft. store in Beaverton, Ore., in spring 2024, serving as the anchor tenant at Walker Center. It will open an outpost in Tulsa, Oak., next spring.

Looking further out, REI will open in Durango, Col., in spring 2025.

NEW VP

REI has tapped Jackie Major as its new VP of merchandise planning and inventory management, effective Sept. 1. She will oversee the retailer’s planning and inventory management strategy, and sales and operations planning.  

Major joins REI, after spending 15 years at Levi Strauss & Co., most recently leading planning and inventory management globally. She started her career at Gap, Inc., holding various roles in planning and distribution domestically and abroad. 

“Jackie is a critical addition to the integrated value chain leadership bringing fantastic retail experience and business savvy to the co-op,” said Sylvia Wilks, REI chief supply chain officer. “She will engage the team in modernizing processes using the best technology platforms to completely transform REI's approach to merchandise planning and inventory management.” 

REI has more than 180 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia.