REI Co-op to establish distribution center in Lebanon, creating 280 new jobs
REI, the specialty outdoor retailer headquartered near Seattle, will establish a new distribution center in Lebanon. (Rendering submitted by REI)
LEBANON, Tenn. (WZTV) — REI, the specialty outdoor retailer headquartered near Seattle, will establish a new distribution center in Lebanon.
The move by the nation's largest consumer co-op will create more than 280 jobs in Wilson County, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe announced Wednesday morning.
Construction is now underway for the facility that will be REI's fourth distribution center in the country. Situated just one mile from I-40 and three miles from downtown Lebanon at 1400 Murfreesboro Road, REI says the center is being built with sustainability and technology features with a design focused on a healthy environment that considers how employees work, rest and connect to nature.
“Opening a distribution center in Lebanon strategically positions REI for growth and complements the service areas of our other distribution facilities," said Bill Best, REI vice president of supply chain. "Most importantly, the center will reflect the co-op’s values by putting people first and apply a new standard in fighting the climate crisis. We have a strong local partner that understands REI’s brand, sustainability ethos and interest to create healthier communities.”
The 400,000-square-foot facility on 41 acres in Wilson County is expected to open fall 2023.
Once construction is wrapped up, the distribution facility will serve more than 70 REI stores on the East Coast and in the Midwest and South.
Governor Lee welcomes the development news.
“REI is a respected brand that has been trusted by outdoor enthusiasts for over 80 years, and I’m proud the company has chosen Tennessee for its newest distribution center. Our state’s central location and unmatched quality of life make it the ideal destination for a company so committed to outdoor recreation, and I thank REI for its commitment and job creation in Lebanon," Gov. Lee said.
REI has 174 locations across 41 states and the District of Columbia. The company runs five stores in Tennessee that employ nearly 300 people across the state.
