REI to Open D.C. Flagship

REI (Kent, Wash.) will open its newest flagship store in Washington, D.C.’s NoMa district on Friday. The 52,000-square-foot store was built so that different departments are featured on different levels, such as a mezzanine for footwear that overlooks the showroom. It also features an in-house Patagonia (Ventura, Calif.) shop, an in-store café and coffee shop, as well as an outdoor courtyard, complete with a scenic mural, fire pit and picnic tables.

The store’s design was inspired by the local area’s history. For instance, The Beatles played their first U.S. concert in the same location, so the store displays some old concert posters. The store also features reclaimed wood and arena seating from the basketball arena that used to occupy the space, reports the Washington Business Journal.