BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – A popular outdoor store conspicuously absent from the Buffalo market announced plans Friday for a new Amherst location. Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open a new store in The Boulevard shopping center, moving into the space formerly occupied by Christmas Tree Shops at 1701 Niagara Falls Blvd. The 25,300 square-foot store is expected to open in spring 2025. The company said it expects to hire 35-45 employees. REI, which stands for Recreational Equipment, Inc., is known for more than apparel. Stores offer gear for every type of adventure in addition to expert advice and rental equipment. The company even puts on classes, events and excursions you can book. “Cities that will have new stores represent communities that serve as a gateway to some of the country’s most incredible natural places and where our members currently live or destinations where they love to play outside," REI vice president of stores Mary-Farrell Tarbox said in a press release. “Our store employees are the heart of the co-op, and they welcome everyone to experience our product expertise, resources and inspiration in support of an active lifestyle.” A potential rendering for a new store provided by REI. The co-op boasts more than 23 million lifetime members, who receive free U.S. standard shipping, bike and snow shop discounts, member coupons and discounts, a used gear trade-in program, an annual member reward of 10% back on eligible purchases, an extended satisfaction guarantee window of one year, and other perks for a one-time membership fee. The nearest REI locations to Buffalo are currently in Rochester, Ithaca and Cleveland. Sierra, a competing outdoor store in the TJ Maxx family of brands, is located one plaza over from the new REI location, across Romney Road. An Eastern Mountain Sports store located in the plaza REI will enter closed several years ago, but REI will occupy a larger storefront and owns a stronger brand reputation. * * * Nick Veronica is a Buffalo native who joined the News 4 team as the Digital Executive Producer in 2021. He previously worked at NBC Sports and The Buffalo News. You can follow Nick on Facebook, Twitter and Threads. See more of his work here.