REI Store in NoMa Not a Done Deal, Company Says

The sporting goods store REI has not finalized its decision to open its first District store inside the redeveloped Uline Arena, a company representative said Friday.

The statement comes just days after a Douglas Development representative reportedly confirmed that the sporting goods store would open an outpost in NoMa, at 3rd and M streets NE.

“We love the D.C. area and we are delighted there’s excitement about talk that we’re looking at Uline. We have been talking with the developer, but need to clarify that we have not finalized the decision,” Senior Vice President of Retail Tim Spangler said by email.

“We need the perfect location to create a unique and inspiring space for our members and the community,” Spangler continued.

Douglas Development Senior Vice President Normal Jemal said his company and REI have a “commitment” for the location, Urban Turf reported. A story yesterday from Washington Business Journal then cited Jemal as saying REI had not officially committed to leasing space.

Douglas Development did not immediately respond to an inquiry about REI’s statement today.

Photo via Facebook/REI