Recreational Equipment Inc., better known as REI Co-op, is preparing to open a store in Williston, the company’s first in Vermont.
The Seattle-based outdoor gear retailer will take over a 31,100-square-foot space at 244 Retail Way that has been vacant since Toys “R” Us went out of business last year. The store will be next door to a Marshalls, near the intersection of Route 2A and Marshall Avenue.
Planning documents filed with the Town of Williston describe approximately $2 million in work planned for the building, including an update to the façade.
The Williston Observer first reported the news.
The town’s Historic and Architectural Advisory Committee reviewed the plans at its March 19 meeting, and Matt Boulanger, director of planning and zoning, approved them on Monday. Boulanger said company officials gave no indication when they expect to open, but he said retailers that start the fit-up process this time of year generally hope to accommodate shoppers by the holiday season.
“Based on what I see in the permit application and the changes they’re proposing, it’ll take some work out on the exterior,” Boulanger said. “But it’s the proverbial big box, so those are pretty easy to configure.”
An REI spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Chittenden County is home to several outdoor gear stores, including many in downtown Burlington. An Eastern Mountain Sports store in South Burlington closed in 2017 after the company declared bankruptcy.
Retail centers in other parts of the country have been hit hard by online shopping and other market changes, but Boulanger said that Williston has been relatively lucky in that regard.
“At least for now, we’re not having that problem where stuff sits empty for years and years,” Boulanger said, “and that’s a good thing.”
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It will put some of the small guys out of business but as far as the big box retailers go, its a good store.
I am an REI member and think this is great news! It is a responsible company and what better place than Vermont for this outdoor gear store, especially after EMS closed. Ordering online is ok sometimes but not all the time.
@Mickey Nowak, I am not so sure of that. During the Great Recession, it was big box retailer EMS who filed for bankruptcy (including going out of business in South Burlington). While Outdoor Gear Exchange; Ski Rack, etc. all continued to thrive and even expand. REI is a good store overall. Yes, it is a huge company now but started small as a co-op many years ago (may still be co-op form). Who knows, maybe 40 years from now, Outdoor Gear Exchange will be the big dog on the block?
I’m very surprised! Bass Pro had been trying to get ONE store in Vermont and they would not let them in!Bass Pro does fishing tournaments on Lake Champlain bringing anglers from around the country to fish our lake, they film their products on Lake Champlain, they eat in our restaurants and sleep in our hotels and the state says NO! One store will not take away from the small mom and pop bait stores they will always be needed! Let’s face it here in Vermont if you need a better product or certain type of gear you are going online to buy it anyway despite the mom and pop stores! Its happening right now. With a Bass Pro store think of the money this state would make and the jobs it would create! People would not have to shop online as much! Very sad!!!