Dan D'Ambrosio | Burlington Free Press

REI Co-op, the giant Seattle-based outdoor equipment retailer, will open its first Vermont store this fall in Williston, in the building left vacant last year when Toys R Us declared bankruptcy.

"Vermont is home to some of the best skiing and hiking opportunities in the Northeast, and we are excited to provide our members with the gear and expertise they need to get out and enjoy the activities they love," Becky Smith, REI retail director for the Northeast, said in a statement.

With more than 31,000 members in Vermont, REI said its closest store currently is more than 200 miles away in Boston.

"Our new store is conveniently located between Burlington and some of the most iconic outdoors spaces in the state, allowing our members to pick up new gear or rental equipment as they head outside," Smith said.

Jeff Nick, president of J.L. Davis Realty, confirmed Thursday that REI bought the building directly from Toys R Us through the bankruptcy court. Nick said Jeff Davis, owner of J.L. Davis Realty, is the developing partner of Taft Corners Association, which owns the ground lease underneath REI's 30,000-square-foot building.

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"It was a toy store for kids, now it's a toy store for adults," Nick joked.

The Williston Observer first reported the news about REI on Thursday.

Williston Planning Director Matt Boulanger said REI going into the space only requires administrative approval. Boulanger signed the permit on Monday for exterior changes and "whatever interior changes" REI will be making to the building.

"There's not a big site plan development or something the design review board needs to see," Boulanger said. "This is retail to retail."

Jeff Nick said there are about 30 years remaining on the existing ground lease REI will be taking over. He said the company would "greatly improve" the appearance of the Toys R Us building.

Courtesy Town of Williston

"They'll change the color of the stone and the location of the entrance to the building," Nick said.