SHOPPERS are upset about the shuttering of a beloved mall store after more than two decades.
It sells top brand gear and clothing for adventurers hooked on camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking and other outdoor pursuits.
2
2
Recreational Equipment, Inc., (REI) is pushing ahead with the closure of its Alderwood mall store, reported The Seattle Times last Friday.
The news comes after the co-op reported a $311 million net loss in 2023.
Details about its flagship store’s closure has upset some loyal customers, as the outlet has been serving them for more than 20 years.
DECENT STORE
“That’s too bad, it was the only decent store at the mall,” lamented Ralph on Facebook.
“Now I won’t have any place to go, as the ladies go shoe shopping at the mall.”
“My daughter learned to rock climb there. She was pretty darned good at it,” said James.
RELOCATION PLANS
The good news, though, is that REI is set to relocate, just a mile south of its Alderwood mall store.
It’s taking over a closing Dick’s Sporting Goods outlet store in Lynnwood, according to Snohomish County records.
REI, which has nearby stores at Bellevue, Tukwila, and Issaquah in Washington, has reportedly signed a 10-year lease for a 39,000-square-foot space in the Alderwood Parkway shopping center at Lynnwood.
The developers, Vesta, have already published a site plan showing exactly where the new REI store will be operating from.
It’ll be located opposite the likes of Old Navy, J.Crew, and Barnes & Noble.
The center serves a population of over 348,000 within a five-mile radius, with an average household income of $88,000, said Vesta.
“They’re just moving over by Best Buy. Same area, bigger location,” said one happy shopper.
DISASTER
REI’s relocation has been applauded by other customers, who slammed the Alderwood mall store.
“The mall is sadly a disaster,” said one shopper on Facebook.
“The Alderwood Mall is full of gangs, shooters, shoplifting, thieves, and more. It’ll be a little more safe out of the mall,” alleged John.
“I hate having to go to Alderwood to get to REI,” agreed Anne.
“So it moved to the mall and now [they’re] gonna move it from the mall somewhere else?” joked one man.
A spokesperson for REI confirmed that permits have been filed with Snohomish County.
“We have not made an announcement regarding our Alderwood store. Should that change, we are happy to share that news,” they added.
NEW RESTAURANT
Some curious shoppers are keen to know what will open up at its location in the mall, after its departure.
2024 Store Closures
Retailers across the US have suffered with changing customer habits and the economy, which has led to widespread closures.
On Reddit, one local said it would be good to have more eateries at Alderwood Mall.
“Does anyone know what will go into the old REI space at Alderwood Mall?” they asked.
“Alderwood mall could use more chain restaurants like Yard House, BJ’s Brewhouse or Longhorn Steakhouse.
“My apartment is currently in Northgate Seattle and Alderwood Mall is a quick freeway ride for me.
“This winter Williams Sonoma left [the] mall as did Elemental Pizza. Is the rent at Alderwood Mall too high?”
“Williams Sonoma is going through broader corporate changes, so I wouldn’t attribute that to any deficiency with Alderwood,” replied one person.
“I can see some other outdoors kind of store moving in there – can be Dick’s Sporting Goods too! Or it might be Backcountry.com. They have a store in Uvillage but it’s tiny. Would be a perfect opportunity for them,” suggested another.
STAFF SACKED
REI laid off more than 350 corporate and distribution center workers in January, as it warned it expected to be a “challenging” year ahead.
“The coming days are going to be tough as we let go of a lot of good people,” said CEO Eric Artz.
“We’re going to do everything we can to support them, but that will not make this moment any easier.”
In April, it released its 2023 Impact Report and financial results, in which it said it had closed the financial year with $3.76 billion in net sales and nearly $270 million invested back into the co-op community.
“REI invested heavily in its workforce last year,” it said.
“The co-op remained committed to increasing hourly employee pay, regardless of company performance, and distributed $57 million in employee retirement and incentives.”
link
