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REI Shuts Berkeley Store Over Roof Safety Concern During Holiday Rush

The retailer awaits an engineering assessment with municipal clearance required to reopen.

Overview

  • REI’s location at 1338 San Pablo Ave. in Berkeley remains closed until further notice due to a reported roof issue cited as a safety risk.
  • Company statements say a structural engineer is scheduled to evaluate the building, with reopening contingent on official approval that deems it safe.
  • A recorded notice and posted sign explain the closure was taken out of an abundance of caution and that customers will be notified when the store can reopen.
  • City of Berkeley officials told reporters the building has not been red‑tagged and the Building and Safety Division has received no requests for assistance, while nearby businesses continue operating.
  • Holiday shoppers encountered locked doors and limited information, with a small number briefly retrieving online orders via a back entrance as others were directed to other Bay Area REI stores.