Like most outdoorsy Portlanders, I was disappointed but not totally surprised when REI announced last year that its location in the trendy Pearl neighborhood would be closing. The store had been there for 20 years, but due to an increase in crime including thefts and break-ins that ramped up during the pandemic, the company made the hard decision to close the doors permanently on February 1st of this year.
However, those of us who depended on the convenient location for its outstanding product selection and amazing return policy now have some good news to hold on to. Just this week, the famous outdoor retailer formally announced the opening date for its new Beaverton store slated for April 19. The new REI will be located in Walker Center at 2780 S.W. Cedar Hills Blvd in the former Bed Bath & Beyond building, and it will be the biggest store in the state at over 39,000 square feet.