National retail cooperative selling quality outdoor gear and clothing, Recreational Equipment Inc (REI), announced plans for a second distribution center to be located in Bedford.
REI selected Bedford as the site of its second distribution center following a comprehensive search, which included consideration of multiple sites in the mid-Atlantic region -- the general transit corridor determined by REI to be best for its distribution needs.
"Local, county and state officials responded very positively to REI locating in Bedford, which has a proven infrastructure for distribution facilities and has great proximity to our east coast retail locations," said Dave Presley, REI vice president of distribution and logistics.
Construction of the planned 400,000 square-foot facility, to be located on approximately 35-acres in the Bedford County Business Park, will begin next year for full-capacity completion in early 2008, and will employ nearly 350 full-, part-time and seasonal employees. Upon completion, the distribution center is expected to process approximately 40 percent of REI's total product flow.
REI's distribution system supports the company's direct sales, 82 retail stores, and last year reported sales of $887 million. The Bedford facility will complement REI's Sumner, Wash.-based distribution center, which was recently expanded to nearly 700,000 square feet to meet the company's immediate inventory and distribution needs.
REI is known for its unique blend of accessible expertise, interactive shopping experience and quality gear for camping, climbing, cycling, hiking, outdoor fitness, paddling and snow sports.
marketing@alchempro.com
