REI Announces Over 350 Layoffs, Closes Downtown Portland Store Amid Local Crime Concerns

In a move that's shaking up the retail scene in Portland, outdoor gear and apparel giant REI has announced a wave of layoffs and a store closure that's hitting the local community hard. Just a week shy of shuttering its Pearl District location, REI is slashing its workforce by 357 employees, a strategic decision that includes cutting roles at the company headquarters, supply and customer service, experiential programs, and distribution centers.

REI's President and CEO Eric Artz delivered a somber message to the company’s employees. "The coming days are going to be tough as we let go of a lot of good people. We’re going to do everything we can to support them, but that will not make this moment any easier," KOIN reported. As it stands, the planned layoffs alongside the Pearl District store's closure reflect deeper issues beyond REI's business model, hinting at downtown Portland's rising crime rate that has put retailers on high alert.

Local residents like Aidan Elmore and Stacie Howard, who relied on the downtown REI for outdoor gear and services such as bike tire changes, are feeling the practical impact of this decision. As per KGW, Elmore highlighted the value REI offered. "You get a lifetime membership for $30, and you get free tire changes after you buy the tube," said Elmore, now among those forced to seek alternatives.

Meanwhile, the Downtown Neighborhood Association's Walter Weyler pointed out a broader, systematic issue plaguing businesses. He told KGW, "It's endemic right now — it's not just REI; it's several other stores, and it has to do with the nature of the city." Weyler suggested that while the problem of theft may be slowed, a definitive solution would take time.

REI, which cited local break-ins and an inability to deliver the optimal customer and employee experience at their Portland location, has nevertheless promised new beginnings. A new store is set to open in Beaverton in spring, signifying a continued presence in the region, as noted by NewsNationNow. Despite the forthcoming layoffs and store closure, the company seems poised to regroup and refocus its retail strategy in the Portland area.