REI Co-op is opening its first location in the state at MidCity Huntsville, RCP Companies announced Tuesday.

REI, a member-owned co-op, offers top quality outdoors gear, expertise and experiences. While anyone may shop at REI, members pay a lifetime $20 membership and share in the company’s profits through an annual dividend.

It is scheduled to open in fall 2019.

REI Huntsville will also have direct access to MidCity Park, a 40-acre public park with a trail system, lakeside dock, and an outdoor amphitheater.

“Huntsville is a growing outdoor community …,” said Gail Kirkland, REI retail director for the Southeast district. “With more than 11,000 active REI members in the state of Alabama, we are excited to continue to grow in the South and invest in this community.”

Similar to other communities REI serves, the co-op plans to invest in Alabama’s outdoor community, working with local nonprofits to steward and maintain local trails, parks and more.

“REI is a best-in-class retailer that improves local communities by working to protect and preserve natural resources and offering high-quality educational and recreational opportunities,” said Max Grelier, co-founder of RCP Companies, the developers of MidCity. “REI will provide an elevated experience for North Alabama outdoor enthusiast and the existing co-op members across the Tennessee Valley region.

“This is a tremendous addition to MidCity, one that really complements our core values through recreation, entertainment, and health and wellness.”