KENT, Wash. (WATE) – Outdoor and sporting goods retailer REI is making an unprecedented move by closing all of its stores on Black Friday, and instead urging its employees and customers to go outside as part of its #OptOutside campaign.
“For 76 years, our co-op has been dedicated to one thing and one thing only: a life outdoors. We believe that being outside makes our lives better. And Black Friday is the perfect time to remind ourselves of this essential truth,” said CEO Jerry Stritzke in a statement.
None of the chain’s 143 stores will be open the day after Thanksgiving, November 27, a day that has become associated with doorbuster sales and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season. Some retailers have already announced they would not be open on Thanksgiving Day, but REI is the first to publicize it would not be open the day after.
REI employees will still be paid for the day.
