Flagship REI Outdoor Store Moving Into Historic Uline Arena

Popular outdoor retailer REI is opening its fifth flagship store at Uline Arena, the historic site in Northeast that was home to the very first U.S. Beatles concert.

Describing D.C. as a "fast growing outdoor community," REI said in a statement that the new store will bring in 150 jobs to the area.

"We’re spending time with the local outdoor community to discuss how to make the flagship an ideal community space," the statement notes, "including the store design, educational outdoor classes and partnerships with local non-profits, which are the foundation of all REI stores because they help REI members gain access to great places to play. This flagship will be an immersive experience – much more than a retail store.

"The D.C. flagship will build on the region's already robust schedule of free and low-cost in-store classes, field programs and day outings," the statement continues. "Examples of programs at popular local destinations are D.C. Monuments Sunset Kayak Tour, Overnight Backpacking in Shenandoah National Park and Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing at Carderock."

REI pledged it would honor the history of the Uline Arena -- which also hosted Dwight Eisenhower's inaugural ball in addition to the historic Beatles concert -- by creating a store design that preserved it.

REI has about 150 stores in a little more than two-thirds of U.S. states. The company was founded in 1938 and is based in Washington state.

Image via REI