REI - Birmingham, AL :(

“hmm...Gear or Places?

Anyways, Buck! Who do we need to contact to get us a little *bump* on the list? Do we need to recruit more members from the local area??


Thanks for contacting us regarding locating an REI store in Birmingham, AL.

REI operates more than 70 retail stores across the country. There are a lot more cities we would like to be in but have yet to open because REI has chosen the path of managed growth within its resources. Part of this is because of our culture and part because our structure as a co-op means we must be very efficient with our capital. This means we will open new stores slowly. I know that your city is an up and coming area and I hope there is a time when we can locate there. For now, it is not on the short-term horizon. We are always interested in our customer’s suggestions. We hope you will take advantage of shopping on our website at http://www.rei.com as a convenient alternative.

If you have any questions please feel free to call me at (this may be his direct #...email me if you want it).

Sincerely,

Corey Long
Real Estate”

“I want one in Columbia SC!! Oh not sure if that would be so great though...I prolly would go broke.”

“Wow. Hadn't looked but figured there would for sure be one in Columbia...hrmph.”

“Good try toph !

I'm in Huntsville...2hrs from Nashville and 2hrs from B'ham. Oh well, stuck in the middle.

I'd definitely like an REI closer...I've got around $250 in dividends to spend this year!”

“Nice that they took the time to answer like that. Last time I checked there wasn't a single REI in the entire state of Florida.”

“none here either but there are 2 15 minutes apart in Boston and another 30 min from them.

probably due to the proximity to the mountains, not to mention the yuppies. although to be fair they have to cater to whoever buys the products.
last edited: 2/12/05 1:11:52 PM”

“Coming from the land of REI (the flagship store is about 6 miles from my house, I don't see what the big deal is. Yes, they have great customer service, but I do most of my shopping online where I can get a much better price on the same gear. REI is overpriced and very commercialized.”

“Browsing! It's fun to touch and feel and sit in and lay in and put on and walk in and listen to - then you can go buy it online if you're not willing to pay the price for the service.”

“Pixie - You are spoiled. ;-)
Just wait till you live in an area with NO gear stores.”

“Form letter.

B'ham an up and coming city? Can you say flight?”

“Pixie... spoiled? Noooooooo...

The gear stores in Auburn cater towards the college students... so nothing but TNF Denali jackets in a thousand different colors.

What makes REI so wonderful is all the little nicknacks... not the gear. Food... fuel... water purification tabs... rope... stakes... buckles... socks... and most importantly... no rinse shampoo. They do have some cool clothes though to wear around everyday.”