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REI Moving Store from Santa Ana to The Market Place

Seattle-based Recreational Equipment Inc., which runs a chain of camping and outdoor sports stores, is moving a store from Santa Ana into expanded space at The Market Place in Tustin.

The retailer is set to open its 33,500-square-foot store in the fall. It is taking the former Linens ‘N Things space next to Best Buy.

REI sells tents, compasses, kayaks, clothes and other outdoorsy products. The company has one other store in the county, in Huntington Beach.

“REI is a well-known lifestyle brand and a perfect fit for The Market Place,” said Keith Eyrich, president of Irvine Company’s retail properties, which owns and runs the mall that straddles Tustin and Irvine along Jamboree Road.

REI could be a big draw for The Market Place, which also has a Dick’s Sporting Goods store.

“Moving three miles away allows us to provide our current customers more room to shop and a wider selection of gear and apparel to choose from,” said Steve Eaton, REI Santa Ana store manager.

The new store will have a bike shop and a space where nonprofits and outdoor groups can hold events and classes.

The retailer has a unique set of 257,000 “member” customers in the Southern California area.

They are people who pay a one-time $20 fee to be a member and share in the company’s profits through an annual refund that is based on their prior year purchases.

In 2009, REI gave out more than $80 million to nearly 4 million members.

The company also grants money to various outdoor conservation and education nonprofits.

REI also is opening a store this fall in Santa Barbara.

The company has 112 stores nationwide, including 26 in California, and $1.5 billion in annual sales.

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