Like most outdoorsy Portlanders, I was disappointed but not totally surprised when REI announced last year that its location in the trendy Pearl neighborhood would be closing. The store had been there for 20 years, but due to an increase in crime including thefts and break-ins that ramped up during the pandemic, the company made the hard decision to close the doors permanently on February 1st of this year.
However, those of us who depended on the convenient location for its outstanding product selection and amazing return policy now have some good news to hold on to. Just this week, the famous outdoor retailer formally announced the opening date for its new Beaverton store slated for April 19. The new REI will be located in Walker Center at 2780 S.W. Cedar Hills Blvd in the former Bed Bath & Beyond building, and it will be the biggest store in the state at over 39,000 square feet.
The Beaverton location will employ around 90 people and is set to have a full-service bike, ski, and snowboard shop in addition to REI’s standard product departments for climbing, camping and hiking, running, and everyday outdoor apparel and gear.
The store is planning a big opening weekend celebration on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with promotions, free coffee, giveaways (while supplies last), live music, and several outdoor brands represented like Columbia, Black Diamond, Icebreaker, Keen, Osprey and Salomon. You’ll also be able to pick up an exclusive camp mug when you make a donation to the Northwest Trail Alliance, a local non-profit focused on advocating and promoting access to mountain biking around the area.
The opening of the Beaverton store means Oregon will now have nine REI locations, and for those living close-in to Portland, it makes for a much shorter drive than heading out to the Clackamas, Tualatin, or Hillsboro stores. The new store will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 8:00pm and on Sundays from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
