Outdoor retail giant REI Co-op announces opening date for new Bradenton-Sarasota store

James A. Jones Jr.
·2 min read

Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op, which announced in March that it would be opening a location at University Town Center, now has a grand opening date.

The 25,000-square-foot store at 161 N. Cattlemen Road is set for a three-day grand opening starting Friday, Nov. 10.

REI Co-op offers an assortment of outdoor gear and apparel for camping, hiking, cycling, running, fitness, paddling and more.

The new store, in the west district of University Town Center, will also offer a full-service bike shop.

“Sarasota has a passionate outdoor community that we look forward to serving. We are also inspired by the opportunity to connect with local partners to welcome everyone to enjoy our outdoor spaces,” store manager Lisa Hofmeister said in a news release.

Staff at REI Co-op are busy setting up the 25,000-square-foot store at 161 N. Cattlemen Road in preparation for the grand opening Friday, Nov. 10.
Staff at REI Co-op are busy setting up the 25,000-square-foot store at 161 N. Cattlemen Road in preparation for the grand opening Friday, Nov. 10.

“Whether biking on the Legacy Trail, paddling at Myakka River State Park, or simply taking a walk along one of our many beautiful beaches, our Sarasota team is ready to outfit our guests with the gear and experiences they need to enjoy their adventures,” Hofmeister said.

REI announces opening date at UTC

REI’s doors will open at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, for the grand opening celebration, which runs through Sunday, Nov. 12.

During the grand opening festivities, an outdoor social will be hosted every afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. with music, nonprofits and outdoor brands.

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and Florida Trail Association will also participate in the grand opening celebration.

Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op has announced a Nov. 10 grand opening date for its 25,000-square-foot store in University Town Center at 161 N. Cattlemen Road.
Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op has announced a Nov. 10 grand opening date for its 25,000-square-foot store in University Town Center at 161 N. Cattlemen Road.

Members who join the co-op receive a range of benefits. There are more than 512,000 members in Florida.

REI Co-op was born in Seattle in 1938 as Recreational Equipment, Inc.

Today the REI community has 23 million lifetime members, more than 16,000 employees and 181 locations in 41 states and the District of Columbia.

The Sarasota store is REI’s eighth in Florida. The REI store closest to the Bradenton-Sarasota area is in Tampa, which opened in 2021.

Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op has announced a Friday, Nov. 10, grand opening date for its 25,000-square-foot store in University Town Center at 161 N. Cattlemen Road.
Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op has announced a Friday, Nov. 10, grand opening date for its 25,000-square-foot store in University Town Center at 161 N. Cattlemen Road.