Learn, shop and play at this hands-on SoHo store.

For some, holiday dream shopping means Fifth Avenue. For others, it's finding the latest-tech, Alpine-ready, strut-your-winter-workout-goddess outerwear. If sportswear shopping gives you Chanel-sized thrills, we have the perfect store for you.

National outdoor retailer REI has opened its first NYC store in the iconic Puck Building in SoHo. We took a pre-opening tour of the urban-meets-outdoor-megashop and here's what we love:

• Testing is encouraged. Discover your inner urban adventurer at the in-store classes (scroll down to see the current offerings; some are free), then put your knowledge to use with the Outdoor School's experiential activities.
• It's a one-stop shop. There's a full service bike and ski/snowboard shop downstairs (with a quickie tune-up available upstairs). 
• It's a mini museum. Nestled between every type of apparel and gear imaginable, you'll find restored artifacts from the Puck Building.

You're invited to REI SoHo's Grand Opening Event (including daily giveaways!). Check out the weekend's schedule here.

Give high fashion the boot.

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