Popular sporting goods retailer and Dick’s rival abruptly shutters after major safety fears
Another major city is set to lose a popular sporting goods store amid reports that crime in the neighborhood has affected employees and customers.
REI has announced that it will close its sole Portland, Oregon location when the lease expires in February next year.
The rival to Dick’s Sporting Goods, which started way back in 1938, is known for its innovative co-op concept that reinvests an overwhelming majority of profits back into the outdoor community.
Unfortunately, the community of Portland has to say goodbye to the athletic apparel retailer.
A letter sent to co-op members on Monday explained that the decision to close was partly due to concerns about rising crime, according to a Washington Times report.
“The safety of our employees, members and customers is always our top priority,” the letter said. “In recent years, Portland has struggled with rising crime levels in our neighborhood and beyond.”
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Just last year, Portland’s REI recorded its highest number of burglaries and thefts in over 20 years.
The company added that the alarming surge occurred “despite measures being taken to provide additional security”.
Last November, the Portland REI made headlines after a thief drove his car through the store’s doors and stole clothes before fleeing the scene.
Megan Behrbaum, a company spokeswoman, said the company had repaired the store’s slashed windows with security glass and added surveillance equipment and 24-hour security.
However, crime has still “overwhelmed the systems in place” and the site still saw 10 break-ins.
REI isn’t the only company Portland is losing in the face of rising theft and crime.
Nike previously closed its iconic Portland location after nearly 30 years of operations.
The company has talked about the idea of reopening, but only if new anti-shoplifting measures are put in place.
The city’s mayor’s office has promised to bring more police patrols to the area in hopes of catching shoplifters.