In a letter addressed to its 5.5 million members, REI announced plans to close its doors on Black Friday (November 27) at all 143 of its retail locations, headquarters and two distribution centers. Instead of asking employees to work, the co-op is paying its 12,000 employees and suggesting they use the day to get outside. Starting today, the co-op is inviting the nation to join in by choosing to #OptOutside to reconnect with family and friends this Thanksgiving holiday.
Also on Black Friday, REI.com will feature a black takeover screen that encourages customers to #OptOutside. 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 will be sharing thousands of outdoor experiences throughout the holiday season and afterwards.
“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.”
Stritzke continued, “We think that Black Friday has gotten out of hand and so we are choosing to invest in helping people get outside with loved ones this holiday season, over spending it in the aisles. Please join us and inspire us with your experiences. We hope to engage millions of Americans and galvanize the outdoor community to get outside.”
