The capital region’s newest sporting goods and outdoor store is preparing for a grand opening celebration.

While other malls across the country continue to struggle with brick-and-mortar retail, our local favorite, Crossgates Mall, continues to buck the trend as the area’s premier shopping and entertainment destination prepares to welcome another new retailer. In recent months, it announced the opening of a new convenience store called MINISIO, Primark joined as a new anchor store last year, to name a few. Now, REI, a sporting goods and outdoor gear store, is celebrating its grand opening this weekend.

REI comes to Crossgates Mall

Recreational Equipment, INC., better known as REI, is a sporting goods store that sells “a wide range of clothing and equipment for camping, biking, hiking, running, fitness, paddling, winter sports and more,” according to Crossgates Malls. The store is a co-op that already has 42,000 members from the Capital Region who receive benefits such as free shipping, discounts, trade-ins on used equipment and more.

Plans for REI Crossgates’ grand opening celebration

According to a press release from Crossgates Mall, REI will celebrate its grand opening this weekend, Friday, August 23rd through Sunday, August 25th. The store will be open at 9am daily throughout the weekend and from 1pm to 5pm there will be special activities in front of the store including music, vendors and more. There will also be onsite perks for co-op members!