REI Closing Its Doors on Black Friday (PHOTO)
Jerry Stritkze PHOTO | REI
The outdoor gear and sports store, REI has announced plans to close its doors on Black Friday (November 27) at all 143 of its retail locations, headquarters and two distribution centers. That means no sales or long lines for shoppers and no going to work for its employees.
Instead of reporting to work, the co-op is paying its 12,000 employees to be outside. The co-op is also launching a campaign and inviting you to join in by choosing to #OptOutside to reconnect with family and friends this Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
“Black Friday is the perfect time to remind ourselves of the essential truth that life is richer, more connected and complete when you choose to spend it outside,” said Jerry Stritzke, president and CEO of REI. “We’re closing our doors, paying our employees to get out there, and inviting America to OptOutside with us because we love great gear, but we are even more passionate about the experiences it unlocks.”
In his letter to members, Stritzke quotes outdoor visionary John Muir, who said in 1901, “thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home.”
To help aspiring adventurers choose how to #OptOutside, optoutside.rei.com features recommended hiking trails, many built and nurtured by nonprofits supported by REI. Co-op employees and members plan to share thousands of outdoor experiences throughout the holiday season and afterwards. On the day itself, REI.com will feature a black takeover screen that encourages customers to #OptOutside.
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