Fully operational in the coming months, the eastern region distribution center will employ 350 professionals at the peak of its operations. The center will support approximately 50 percent of the co-op's direct-to-customer business and approximately 1.2 million active co-op members that reside east of the Mississippi. REI's Bedford distribution center complements the company's other facility in Sumner, Wash. In 2006, the Washington-based facility underwent a lighting retrofit project that resulted in saving approximately one million kilowatt hours (enough to operate three REI stores) and improving the quality of lighting for employees. The effort also saved REI approximately $100,000 per year.

REI has been active in green building design and construction for more than 10 years. In 1993, REI designed and constructed its Seattle flagship store, which opened three years later. Many of the store's green design features were eventually included in the LEED evaluation criteria. In 2004, REI's Portland, Ore. location became the first retail store in the country to earn a LEED Gold rating for Commercial Interiors, followed by REI's Pittsburgh store with LEED Silver for Commercial Interiors in 2006. Last fall the company opened its first prototype store in Boulder, Colo. through its initiative that tests retail design and green building concepts, while complementing the co-op's commitment to community involvement, environmental stewardship and serving as a gateway to the outdoors. The REI Boulder store is anticipating a LEED Silver rating under U.S. Green Building Council's Retail "“ Commercial Interiors pilot program. The second prototype location is scheduled to open in Round Rock, Texas in the fall of 2008. The Round Rock store is being built to achieve a LEED Silver rating for the Retail "“ Commercial Interiors in U.S. Green Building Council's pilot program.

Information on REI's comprehensive environmental initiatives is available at www.rei.com/stewardship, including its focus on carbon footprint reduction, green building design and construction, responsible paper purchases and usage, waste reduction, and the design and manufacturing of more sustainable products and packaging. The co-op will release its second annual stewardship report, a review of the company's social and environmental impacts, in the spring.

About REI

REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI operates retail stores nationwide, two online stores "“ http://www.rei.com and http://www.REI-OUTLET.com "“ and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. REI offers products from all of the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel, including its own line of award-winning outdoor gear and apparel. While anyone may join or shop at REI, members pay a one-time $20 fee and receive a share in the company's profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. As an active supporter of the communities in which it does business, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.