Nebraska Crossing (Gretna)

[nebport5]

I have lived in nine cities that have an REI. I’m not sure why people think REI is such a big deal. Yes, there store in Seattle was big and had a big selection, but most of the stores in the cities I’ve lived in were not that big and stocked with stuff you can buy at Dick’s, Outdoor World, Cabela’s, Scheel’s, Amazon, etc. I’m guessing the Nebraska Crossing store will be small too. People will come out in droves to check out the new store and after visiting wonder what all the hype was about it. I’ve seen this happen at many of their stores.

It may be more appreciated among REI members like myself and the usefulness of benefits like in-store pickup. The flagship stores are indeed impressive. I doubt this store will be very big too and I'd bet on it having mostly clothing. REI does cater more to the outdoors adventure type over Dick's with sports and Cabela's with hunting and fishing. I hear what you're saying about the offering at the other stores mentioned. Yes, there'll be some overlap with Patagonia, North Face, and etc. But, REI does hav their house brand which is much more affordable and other premium brands like Kuhl that aren't as common. I'm curious to see what they put in this one because it's still an odd place for a location to me. Then again, NEX is very eclectic. Who knows maybe if this one does well enough they'll consider a larger mid-sized store at Crossroads or somewhere. Yes...I doubt that too.

[Brad]

My only experience is with the Flagship store in downtown Denver. That store is really impressive! That said, its another store that many people will enjoy. It won't be fore everyone, but that's what's great with having about having multiple options, we can all choose where we want to go to. I still think Scheels offers the biggest selection in Omaha.

[bldgengineer2015]

So no REI at Crossroads? I thought that was set.

I think REI at Crossroads was attached to the Rod Yates proposal.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I think the only REI I've been inside is the one here in St. Louis. The store aesthetics aren't much to write home about, but I get a sense from the people who work there that they are all pretty hardcore outdoorsy people who know their stuff. At Dicks or even Scheels they don't seem to care as much how experienced their employees are with the product.

[Cermak]

I’ve actually never stepped foot inside one. But have heard of them and know they are for more hardcore outdoor people. Omaha needs these types of stores to keep up with its peers. I would think it should do well situated between Omaha and Lincoln.

[iamjacobm]

The REI in Denver is in an incredible building, but the offerings are pretty underwhelming IMO.

I am glad the metro is getting a brand people are passionate about so it's good with me.

[Doctor Fate]

There's still one more national retailer that will be announced at some point soon, correct?

[Brad]

There's still one more national retailer that will be announced at some point soon, correct?

Yes, at least 1.

[Coyote]

OK who is guessing that they might be?

[Greg S]

This is another solid addition to that center. I have been to the one in Bloomington next to the Bauer hockey store and picked up a few things. Will definitely now stick to the local one when it opens.

Is this store going to mean the loss of any parking?

[nebugeater]

This is another solid addition to that center. I have been to the one in Bloomington next to the Bauer hockey store and picked up a few things. Will definitely now stick to the local one when it opens.

Is this store going to mean the loss of any parking?

Yes

25,000 Sq Ft store located between Home goods and Under Armor

[Garrett]

This is another solid addition to that center. I have been to the one in Bloomington next to the Bauer hockey store and picked up a few things. Will definitely now stick to the local one when it opens.

Is this store going to mean the loss of any parking?

Yes

25,000 Sq Ft store located between Home goods and Under Armor

Didn’t even realize there was a Homegoods in that out lot.

They really need to get a parking garage built imo. Buy some of the farmland to the north and build it up so they can have more space for expansion.

[nebugeater]

This is another solid addition to that center. I have been to the one in Bloomington next to the Bauer hockey store and picked up a few things. Will definitely now stick to the local one when it opens.

Is this store going to mean the loss of any parking?

Yes

25,000 Sq Ft store located between Home goods and Under Armor

Didn’t even realize there was a Homegoods in that out lot.

They really need to get a parking garage built imo. Buy some of the farmland to the north and build it up so they can have more space for expansion.

The owner of the land to the north is rumored to not be willing to sell to the Nebr Crossing group no matter what the price.

[Athomsfere]

This is another solid addition to that center. I have been to the one in Bloomington next to the Bauer hockey store and picked up a few things. Will definitely now stick to the local one when it opens.

Is this store going to mean the loss of any parking?

Yes

25,000 Sq Ft store located between Home goods and Under Armor

Didn’t even realize there was a Homegoods in that out lot.

They really need to get a parking garage built imo. Buy some of the farmland to the north and build it up so they can have more space for expansion.

The owner of the land to the north is rumored to not be willing to sell to the Nebr Crossing group no matter what the price.

Really, why? Does he hate capitalism?

I was really excited about REI. I've shopped them online, and love some of the stuff they have.

But reading that this will be a "small" store has broken my heart. I guess my new backpack is going to have to be ordered online afterall.

[Greg S]

Didn’t even realize there was a Homegoods in that out lot.

They really need to get a parking garage built imo. Buy some of the farmland to the north and build it up so they can have more space for expansion.

The owner of the land to the north is rumored to not be willing to sell to the Nebr Crossing group no matter what the price.

Really, why? Does he hate capitalism?

I was really excited about REI. I've shopped them online, and love some of the stuff they have.

But reading that this will be a "small" store has broken my heart. I guess my new backpack is going to have to be ordered online afterall.

We bought my son a backpack from REI a couple years ago. Hit a couple of the REI's in Minneagplis, and I think the smaller one (it was in or near Rosevville) still had about the same number of backpacks as the larger one in Bloomington.

[ita]

The owner of the land to the north is rumored to not be willing to sell to the Nebr Crossing group no matter what the price.

Really, why? Does he hate capitalism?

I was really excited about REI. I've shopped them online, and love some of the stuff they have.

But reading that this will be a "small" store has broken my heart. I guess my new backpack is going to have to be ordered online afterall.

We bought my son a backpack from REI a couple years ago. Hit a couple of the REI's in Minneagplis, and I think the smaller one (it was in or near Rosevville) still had about the same number of backpacks as the larger one in Bloomington.

According to the OWH article, even though it will have a smaller footprint, it should carry the same stuff as one of their flagship stores. but who konws.

[iamjacobm]

REI is probably overrated. The flagship in Denver is in an incredible building, but the offerings were pretty underwhelming. The clearance area upstairs was where some good deals could be found.

I doubt I pay a premium to get any gear at REI anywhere, but if it makes some % of the locals happy then it's a net good.

[nebport5]

One thing about REI, a lifetime membership is something like 20 bucks, and if you going to buy a number of products they carry vs. Schells, Cabela's etc it's nice getting dividends back at the end of the year.

[ChadJK]

That sector is probably doing well now because dressing like you're about to go on a run or a hike has become quite the popular aesthetic (athleisure?).

[riceweb]

I don't think REI is overrated, I just don't think there's much need in this market. It'll be nice to have so I can get hiking supplies before I head somewhere, but typically I would just stop at an REI close to where I was hiking. From my perspective, I don't think the store will do very well in the long run.

[Athomsfere]

I don't think REI is overrated, I just don't think there's much need in this market. It'll be nice to have so I can get hiking supplies before I head somewhere, but typically I would just stop at an REI close to where I was hiking. From my perspective, I don't think the store will do very well in the long run.

For me, I'm not worried about hiking supplies as much as back country supplies. If it's going to be a week between places I might have cell service, I want the critical gear all ready before I leave I home.

Like I tore my backpack last year, and I need to replace it. I know more or less what I want, and REI seems to be one of the few places that carries most of the models I am keeping an eye on. I'd love to go try out a few ~$400 dollar back packs instead of ordering online, or driving to Denver / Minneapolis which for the last two years have not been convenient stops for the big adventures. We did Big Bend (4 days down the Rio), Utah, and the badlands, and drove to each. Stopping in Denver might have been possible, but we hit Denver at like 5 am, and drove right through.

[riceweb]

Yeah, and I don't dismiss that there's a need for an REI, because that product category is minimally available in Omaha, I just don't know that we have a large enough market here to support an REI. I hope it does well, and I hope it spurs more interest in outdoor activities in Nebraska, but that'll probably be a long ways out.

[Garrett]

Yeah, and I don't dismiss that there's a need for an REI, because that product category is minimally available in Omaha, I just don't know that we have a large enough market here to support an REI. I hope it does well, and I hope it spurs more interest in outdoor activities in Nebraska, but that'll probably be a long ways out.

Maybe REI is using their political clout to get Big Lake built

[Garrett]

If you want to take a fun trip down memory lane, take a look at the 2nd page of the crossroads discussion where we have a lovely 2011 conversation about REI coming to the market. A lot of names there I haven’t seen in years!

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=10829&start=40

[nebugeater]

Here is a story from 2 /25 sharing what we already know that REI opening at Nebraska Crossing this fall.

https://shop-eat-surf.com/2022/02/rei-c ... fall-2022/

Here are some details from the story that I do not recall if they are shared or not but here they are.

Address: Nebraska Crossing; 21209 Nebraska Crossing Drive Gretna, NE 68028

Store Size: 22,000 square feet

Special Features: Full-service bike shop, gear rentals, buy online – pick up in store, curbside pickup, and virtual outfitting

REI Co-op Membership: 21,000 million members in Nebraska. More than 14,000 members in Gretna, Lincoln and Omaha

Closest REI Stores: West Des Moines, Iowa – 147 miles; Overland Park, Kansas – 207 miles; Wichita, Kansas – 295 miles

[Brad]

The Dragon Wok restaurant at 14220 Fort Street plans to open an additional location in the former VooDoo Taco building at Nebraska Crossing in Gretna. VooDoo Taco has moved into the former Pieocracy space.

[plaidguy]

Was at the mall recently and heard some information on future expansion plans from a very reliable source. If it all comes to pass, some very cool things are in store:

A Yeti store is coming to the old Tommy Bahama space. There have been posters in those windows for awhile.

There’s still one more outlot pad like REI that can be developed.

Land to the north has been purchased. Planned for it is a Magnolia Farms-like development, executive suite style apartments, and a furniture district.

The furniture district is to house new-to-market home retailers. Could finally be brands like Crate & Barrel, West Elm and IKEA that they’ve been talking with for many years.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

The furniture district is to house new-to-market home retailers. Could finally be brands like Crate & Barrel, West Elm and IKEA that they’ve been talking with for many years.

I wouldn't get my hopes up on any of those. At least not at Nebraska Crossing. An outlet mall off of a highway away from civilization isn't really any of those stores' style. IKEA maybe, but last I heard they're reconfiguring their approach to the US market and haven't yet figured out what that is yet. So no new stores for awhile.

[Bob from Omaha]

The furniture district is to house new-to-market home retailers. Could finally be brands like Crate & Barrel, West Elm and IKEA that they’ve been talking with for many years.

I wouldn't get my hopes up on any of those. At least not at Nebraska Crossing. An outlet mall off of a highway away from civilization isn't really any of those stores' style. IKEA maybe, but last I heard they're reconfiguring their approach to the US market and haven't yet figured out what that is yet. So no new stores for awhile.

Not really

https://chainstoreage.com/ikea-invest-about-315-billion-new-existing-stores

[TitosBuritoBarn]

The furniture district is to house new-to-market home retailers. Could finally be brands like Crate & Barrel, West Elm and IKEA that they’ve been talking with for many years.

I wouldn't get my hopes up on any of those. At least not at Nebraska Crossing. An outlet mall off of a highway away from civilization isn't really any of those stores' style. IKEA maybe, but last I heard they're reconfiguring their approach to the US market and haven't yet figured out what that is yet. So no new stores for awhile.

Not really

https://chainstoreage.com/ikea-invest-about-315-billion-new-existing-stores

Ah, they have figured it out. I do remember a mention of smaller "city stores."

That said, I'd still be surprised if they had Gretna on a list that includes Toronto, Stockholm, and Nice.

[Bob from Omaha]

Ah, they have figured it out. I do remember a mention of smaller "city stores."

That said, I'd still be surprised if they had Gretna on a list that includes Toronto, Stockholm, and Nice.

I believe city stores are mainly for Europe. They are still planning a second store in the Detroit metro, about 30 miles from the current one. It's to be about 300,000 square feet.

As to Gretna, it's not necessarily out of the question to have a large store. If one were to include the Lincoln metro you cross a milestone regarding population. Don't assume it's in the middle of nowhere. Not guaranteeing it will happen but it isn't out of the realm of possibility. It's a destination, not one you visit on a whim.

[nebugeater]

Gretna isn't the middle of nowhere it is the center of everywhere! ;)

[ita]

Gretna isn't the middle of nowhere it is the center of everywhere! ;)

True. We are slowing nearing 1.5 million people between Omaha and Lincoln metros. How far would people drive to pick up Ikea stuff? Would people from Grand Island, Columbus, Sioux City, or even Des Moines make the trek?

[arjavrawal]

Gretna isn't the middle of nowhere it is the center of everywhere! ;)

True. We are slowing nearing 1.5 million people between Omaha and Lincoln metros. How far would people drive to pick up Ikea stuff? Would people from Grand Island, Columbus, Sioux City, or even Des Moines make the trek?

Considering that it's a faster drive than either KC or MPLS, I'd say yes.

[nativeomahan]

I was at the outlet mall today. Fairly busy for a Monday. I did my part for the local economy. lol
It appears that REI is still a few months from opening, judging from continuing construction on the building exterior.
Upon leaving I saw a number of large earth moving vehicles hard at work scraping the landscape near the SE corner of the I-80/Hwy 31 interchange. Any idea what project is underway there? It definitely appears to be on the large size.

[ChadJK]

I saw a number of large earth moving vehicles hard at work scraping the landscape near the SE corner of the I-80/Hwy 31 interchange. Any idea what project is underway there? It definitely appears to be on the large size.

I believe that is officially called Hwy 31 & I 80 Business Park and is being developed by the Heimes Group. Here's a map from the Sarpy County GIS:

[nebugeater]

Dragon Wok Express at Nebraska Crossing is targeting a mid-Sept opening date

https://nonpareilonline.com/community/g ... ab961.html

[nebugeater]

Cold Stone Creamery Cooming to Nebraska Cross

Today is the first I have seen this

[nebugeater]

REI has set its grand opening as Friday, Sept 23. May have been mentioned already elsewhere but I have not seen it.

https://www.rei.com/stores/gretna

[Coyote]

REI, I believe the opening saw mentioned on Grow Omaha the other day.