KANNAPOLIS — The Rowan EDC and the city of Kannapolis have announced that REBEL (formerly Rebelstork) has expanded its footprint into Rowan County and Kannapolis. The innovative returns recommerce company has opened in Lakeshore Corporate Park. This is the firm’s only location in North Carolina.

Recommerce is the selling of previously owned, new or used products, which the online site Wikipedia notes are mainly electronic devices or media such as books, “through physical or online distribution channels to buyers who repair, if necessary, then reuse, recycle or resell them.”

REBEL moved into a portion of Building 3 at Lakeshore Corporate Park in late 2024. Now, in tandem with its rebrand and strategic move into the home goods category, the company is expanding to occupy the entire building — located at 2820 Stadium Drive and spanning 279,000 square feet.

The expansion coincides with REBEL’s broader mission to transform the way overstock and returned goods are processed and resold. Leveraging its proprietary technology, the company now offers never-used, simply returned home essentials — including kitchenware, furniture, bedding, décor, baby gear and more — at up to 50 percent off retail. This move positions Kannapolis and Rowan County at the forefront of a national shift toward more sustainable and innovative retail solutions.

“Expanding our operations in Kannapolis marks a significant milestone for REBEL as we continue to redefine the returns recommerce industry,” said Emily Hosie, founder and CEO of REBEL. “This location provides the ideal infrastructure and space to support our accelerated growth while furthering our mission to solve the $1 trillion return crisis.”

Kannapolis Mayor Darrell Hinnant championed the move.

“We welcome REBEL, and their team to the city of Kannapolis,” Hinnant said. “Their mission of sustainability and a circular economy is something we believe in. We look forward to supporting their corporate endeavors, hiring of employees and introducing them to our community. They will find that Lakeshore Corporate Park, near the new Chick-fil-A Supply facility is an ideal location convenient to everything in the region and our revitalized downtown.”

President and CEO of Rowan EDC Rod Crider added, “We are proud that REBEL chose to place its roots here as it enters an exciting new phase of growth. This expansion by REBEL highlights the critical role speculative building inventory plays in attracting and growing companies in Rowan County.”

According to a release from the city, “REBEL is the only venture-backed, certified B-Corporation recommerce platform of its kind, and its decision to grow in Rowan County underscores the area’s strategic advantage for logistics and distribution. The location allows companies like REBEL to scale operations quickly, efficiently and sustainably.”

REBEL joins a growing list of companies leveraging Kannapolis’ location, labor market and speculative development strategy to expand operations and serve broader markets.

“As REBEL continues to push boundaries in sustainable retail, Rowan County is proud to support the company’s mission of preventing landfill waste, advancing circular commerce, and providing affordable, high-quality products to consumers nationwide,” the release noted.