FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2024
REI Co-op to hold grand opening celebration at Crossgates August 23-25
Three-day celebration filled with community partners, outdoor vendors, giveaways, and more
Guilderland, NY – REI Co-op officially opens its new store here at Crossgates on Friday, August 23 and invites the community to a three-day celebration filled with giveaways, outdoor brand activations, an afternoon social, music, and more.
The 25,000 square foot space will offer a wide assortment of apparel and gear for camping, cycling, hiking, running, fitness, paddling, snow sports, and more. For those that love cycling and snow sports, certified mechanics will be available to help tune and repair gear at the full-service bike, ski, and snowboard shop.
“It is very exciting for REI to be opening in Albany. The co-op is a great fit for the capital region, especially with so many existing members already here,” says Albany store manager Richard Byrne. “The store’s proximity to local and state parks, natural resources, and the Adirondacks provides great access to the outdoors. My team and I look forward to fostering community relationships through stewardship and volunteerism. We can’t wait to meet the community at our grand opening weekend.”
For the grand opening celebration, REI’s doors open at 9 a.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. An outdoor social is scheduled for each afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. featuring music, nonprofit and vendor activations, and more. There will be free coffee for members who join for the morning activities. Exclusive camp mugs will also be available with a donation to a local nonprofit being announced soon. Nonprofits and brands attending the weekend’s events include Parks & Trails New York, Altra, Hydro Flask, Saucony, Nikwax, Smartwool, Black Diamond, Snow Peak, Osprey, Darn Tough, Brooks Running, Kuat, HOKA and more. Daily giveaways will be available, while supplies last.
REI is the country’s largest consumer co-op. Everyone is welcome to shop, participate in classes, and learn from REI’s expertise. Co-op members enjoy an even wider range of benefits, including free U.S. standard shipping, member coupons and discounts, free machine ski wax services, a used gear trade-in program, an annual member reward of 10% back on eligible purchases, and more.
The Albany-Schenectady-Troy area already has over 42,000 co-op members, with approximately 743,000 in New York. The Crossgates location is REI’s sixth in the state.
New members join a growing community that fights for a life outside. With each new membership purchased, the co-op donates $5 to support the REI Cooperative Action Fund. Launched in 2021, the community-supported nonprofit is fueled by donations from REI members, customers, employees, foundations, and corporate partners – including REI Co-op. The REI Fund provides support to nonprofit organizations across the country doing essential work to create a more equitable outdoors for everyone. As part of the grand opening, the REI Cooperative Action Fund in partnership with the REI Albany store team will award $10,000 to local nonprofits working to create a more equitable outdoors. Beyond local investments made for the grand opening, REI Co-op has invested $605,000 in New York nonprofits since 2019.
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About Crossgates:
Crossgates is the Capital Region’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination offering an impressive selection of national brands and the newest retail concepts. The center is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Primark and Best Buy, while offering more than 180 retail shops, including Apple. Crossgates offers 10 entertainment venues and over 20 on-site eateries, such as Dave & Buster’s, Get Air, Billy Beez, Apex Entertainment, The Standard Restaurant & Lounge, Maggie McFly’s and Regal Cinemas with IMAX. Or simply relax at our award-winning day spa, Spa Mirbeau. Located adjacent to a dual-branded 192-room Homewood Suites and Tru by Hilton hotel, Crossgates is your destination to EAT. SHOP. PLAY. STAY. Additional information regarding Crossgates can be found at shopcrossgates.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Pyramid Management Group, LLC:
Pyramid Management Group, owner of Crossgates, is one of the largest, most innovative, privately-held real estate developers in the northeast. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, Pyramid’s portfolio of dynamic shopping, dining and entertainment destinations and expanding hospitality presence dominates the northeast with 10 properties located throughout New York and Massachusetts. For nearly 50 years, Pyramid has built its reputation on being first, fast, ahead of the curve and always what’s next, leading the industry in combining the best elements of traditional retail with world-class dining and entertainment, all under one roof. For more information, visit www.pyramidmg.com.
About REI Co-op:
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.