Outdoor retailer REI Co-op is planning to again close its over 190 locations – stores, distribution centers, adventure centers, call centers and headquarters – on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, paying its 15,000 employees to “Opt Outside.”
The company has, since 2015, shut its doors on the busiest shopping day of the year in favor of inviting everyone to join it in spending time outside.
To support this theme, REI is offering a curated list of the most peaceful places to visit, handpicked by the co-op’s expert employees across the country.
“Opt Outside is a reminder of the impact that time outside has on our well-being. What used to be one of the most chaotic days for our employees is now one where they can do what they love,” said Eric Artz, the president and CEO of REI. “This year, REI employees are sharing their expertise to help us all find places where we can disconnect from the noise and chaos of the everyday by reconnecting with nature.”
“Every day, REI employees connect our members and customers to incredible experiences outside, making them true experts in finding the best places to enjoy nature,” said Artz. “In a time of year where we are bombarded with messages about what to buy, we invite everyone to join us in finding a peaceful place to take a break to recharge.”
Top recommendations include:
- Big Bend National Park – Texas
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – Minnesota
- Buffalo National River – Arkansas
- DeSoto Falls Scenic Recreation Area – Georgia
- Escalante National Monument – Utah
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest – Washington
- Hoh Rain Forest – Washington
- Huron-Manistee National Forest – Michigan
- Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve – California
- Nantucket Island – Massachusetts
- New Orleans Botanical Garden – Louisiana
- Point Bridget State Park – Alaska
- Seawall, Acadia National Park – Maine
- Sinks Canyon State Park – Wyoming
- Two Mile Run County Park – Maryland
Have a favorite peaceful place that’s not on this list? REI is inviting others to share using the hashtag #OptOutside.
