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Friday, July 25, 2008
Major Retail Coming to Columbia Heights
Columbia Heights is poised to become the shopping destination for the entire Washington, DC area. Hundreds of thousands of square feet of retail space are in the works including DC USA, a 500,000 sq. ft. retail complex that will include major retailers such as Target, Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond, and possibly Whole Foods Market! More exciting retailers are planning to open in the newly renovated Tivoli Square and other developments across Columbia Heights. Read more in the Retail News section.
We just received word that REI, a national outdoor adventure retailer, is pursuing a location at the DC USA. From what we understand, REI is vying for the same retail space that Whole Foods Market gave up and Ross Dress For Less is now negotiating with developers for.
This is an exciting new development for Columbia Heights and the entire District. A major outdoor adventure retailer is badly needed in the District. The only such store that comes to mind is Hudson Trail Outfitters in Tenley Circle. It would be all the sweeter if such a store opens in our neighborhood. If REI does come to the DC USA, it would be the first location in DC. Currently, the closest REI location is in Falls Church, VA. We know a number of DC outdoor adventurers who make regular pilgrimages to that location.
We will try to bring you more information and find the best way for those of you interested in REI to show your support.
For more information about REI, you can visit its website at REI.com.
Comments
Contacting REI Written by RJH on 2008-02-18 14:02:55From REI, the best way to contact them is through the following link:
They will then forward the message "to our administrative headquarters to be included in a report that is taken into consideration in making these kinds of decisions."
Written by Euclid Resident on 2008-02-18 14:50:28Thanks, RJH -- I just sent an email directly to REI as well. I hope everyone who is commenting is also sending emails and spreading the word to others to do the same. I would be so excited to have an REI nearby. Whenever we buy outdoor gear we schlep to the suburbs. It would be very cool to have one right next door!
Response from REI Written by DC for REI! on 2008-02-18 17:01:45I just received an email shortly after I sent REI an email using the link by RJH above. Please send them an email and tell all of your friends to do the same. Here is the response I got:
Thank you for contacting REI regarding a store in the Washington DC Columbia Heights neighborhood and area.
Customer feedback is our best tool for improvement and we do appreciate your input and efforts in bringing this matter to our attention. As a co-op, we approach our store openings slower than most national retailers, only opening seven to ten stores per year. This allows us to be very thoughtful and deliberate in our real estate selections.
Thank you for choosing REI as your clothing and gear resource and we hope you continue to use our website at www.rei.com for your online shopping needs.
To stay informed of our latest news and openings, please refer to the link below:
http://www.rei.com/aboutrei/newsroom.html.
Wishing you happy outdoor adventures.
Carolyna S REI Online Customer Service
REI Written by Park Road guy on 2008-02-18 18:13:18just sent an email to REI and got the same response. keep sending them! let's march on the streets!! Hech no, Ross Must Go! Yes to REI!
Written by DG-rad on 2008-02-19 11:08:37This is the email I just received:
Greetings Dave,
Thank you for the email regarding the opening of new REI stores in your area.
Unfortunately, there are no plans for opening a new REI store in the Washington DC area in the near future. There are several stores within a 20 mile radius that might fit your needs. I have included the link of store locations for your convenience.
http://www.rei.com/FindStores
I'm glad you're still getting use from your REI pack you purchased in High School. You should check out some of our new packs. They have a lot of new and great features.
Best wishes for great outdoor adventures.
Vancie REI Online Customer Service
Written by Euclid Resident on 2008-02-19 11:44:57It seems like everyone is getting a different answer depending on who fields their emails. Just about a minute ago, I received the following:
"Thank you for your questions regarding the process of choosing a location for a new store.
If you are interested in reading more about the process, the following link on REI.com contains information regarding our real estate team and parameters, in addition to how to suggest a new store location. Also on this web page is a list of our brokers that you are welcome to contact.
http://www.rei.com/aboutrei/realestate.jsp
As a cooperative, we approach our store openings slower than most national retailers, only opening seven to ten stores per year.
We hope you find this information helpful!
Chris H. REI Online Customer Service"
My guess is they are considering it and any lobbying continues to be helpful...
Written by RJH on 2008-02-19 13:05:22Yes, I think everyone is getting a slight variation on a form letter. Let's hope, as I was told, that they do make it to someone who considers our input.
DR-rad: I'd imagine all that they meant by "there are no plans for opening a new REI store in the Washington DC area in the near future" is that its not on the list of new stores officially slated to open this year: http://www.rei.com/jobs/promo.html -- Thats not to say it will or will not happen, but that its simply, as we are all well aware, very speculative at this point. All we can do is express our support and hope for the best. Don't forget to let Grid and Jim Graham know your preferences as well (REI vs. Ross and also on the matter of Ellwood Thompsons).
REI: CH Demographic Info needed... Written by
on 2008-02-19 13:50:05Can someone take a crack at addressing some of data points on the website?
How to Suggest a New Store Location
If you have a retail location you think would make a good site for REI, then please carefully review the following guidelines for consideration: 26K — 30K sq. ft. box Single- or two-story with 1,500 sq. ft. cutout for stairwell Freestanding or attached Strong retail in proximity of site Median household income $50K and above 100K or more households within a 15 mile radius of site Abundant parking for exclusive use Easy access from roadway Excellent visibility, directly off main arterials
http://www.rei.com/aboutrei/realestate.jsp
Then we can email their broker: David Dochter Cushman & Wakefield 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Fifth Floor Washington, DC 20006 202-739-0387
Written by Euclids on 2008-02-19 16:16:46Oh no! Does their "exclusive" parking requirement mean this will be a no go? Isn't that what killed the Whole Foods negotiations.
Written by Rex on 2008-02-19 20:07:48re:Euclids, I can think of a few REI's in other states that don't have dedicated parking.
We just received word that REI, a national outdoor adventure retailer, is pursuing a location at the DC USA. From what we understand, REI is vying for the same retail space that Whole Foods Market gave up and Ross Dress For Less is now negotiating with developers for. 
