The opening of Recreation Equipment, Inc.'s new Durango store has been delayed, with a completion date now set for next summer.
The store was initially scheduled to open in spring 2025, but the company announced a delay on Friday. According to a news release, construction at 40 Turner Drive, located just south of the downtown corridor, is now expected to be completed by summer 2025.
“The decision to move our grand opening from spring to summer next year is based on an adjusted timeline needed by the developer landlord to complete their work and to ready the site for our possession,” said REI spokeswoman Megan Behrbaum in an email on Monday.
Durango is already home to more than 10 locally owned outdoor retailers, and REI will add a massive competitor to the mix. Durango retailers have had mixed reactions to the chain’s arrival.
Some praised the competition, while others say traditional “mom-and-pop” shops will struggle to compete with a chain generating nearly $4 billion in annual revenue.
REI has entered the market with promises of offering around 50 new jobs to the area as well as donating to local nonprofits. Behrbaum did not provide a response regarding when REI will begin accepting applications for the new store.
The company has also highlighted its $57 million investment in employee retirement plans, performance incentives across all its stores, and wage increases.
“Our store employees are the heart of the co-op, and they welcome everyone to experience our product expertise, resources and inspiration in support of an active lifestyle,” said Mary-Farrell Tarbox, REI vice president of stores in a news release. “Cities that will have new stores represent communities that serve as a gateway to some of the country’s most incredible natural places and where our members currently live or destinations where they love to play outside.”
The outdoor cooperative has been expanding its footprint in Colorado, with 10 stores now across the state, including a new location that opened in 2022 in Glenwood Springs. In 2017, the company added a store in Dillon near Breckenridge.
The Durango Herald reached out to the Summit County Chamber of Commerce and the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association for comment on REI's economic impact but did not immediately receive a response Monday.
Newly hired Durango Chamber of Commerce CEO Jeff Dupont said the advantage of having an REI in town is that it keeps tax dollars in Durango.
Often, residents will travel to places like Albuquerque or Flagstaff, Arizona, to shop at REI, taking potential tax revenue from the area.
Yet, he is worried about the mom-and-pop shops in Durango.
“I am concerned that it'll take business away from our local businesses,” Dupont said. “I think we need to work really hard to make sure we're promoting those businesses and encouraging what they do offer.”
Dupont said exceptional customer service is one area where local businesses can truly thrive. Businesses like Ski Barn, which began offering online ski boot fitting consultations in 2023, appear to be emphasizing that approach.
Owner Bill Brown told the Herald in 2023 that the consultations are a way to expand the business and reach customers who may not live in Durango but plan to visit, rather than relying solely on walk-ins.
“They have a different personalized service at the local businesses, and they can probably offer something that's a little more unique than REI,” Dupont said.
tbrown@durangoherald.com
