REI to Close ALL Stores on Black Friday in #OptOutside Movement
You’ve gotta love REI! In a a bold step for a major retailer, REI will close all their store locations on Black Friday, in an attempt to be a force for positive change on this hectic day.
As stated in the official REI email notification:
“This Black Friday the co-op is doing something different. We’re closing all 143 of our stores. Instead of reporting to work, we’re paying our employees to do what we love most—be outside.
We want you, our members, to be the first to hear—not just what we’re doing, but why.
We’re passionate about bringing you great gear, but we’re even more passionate about the experiences it unlocks for all of us. Perhaps John Muir said it best back in 1901: “thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home.”
We think Black Friday is the perfect day to remind people of this essential truth.
And don’t worry, as a member you’ll still enjoy great deals on great gear all holiday season long. But on this one day, we’re going to #OptOutside and we want you to join us.
While the rest of the world is fighting it out in the aisles, we hope to see you in the great outdoors. Visit optoutside.rei.com and you’ll discover great ways to #OptOutside from coast to coast.”
I applaud REI for this dramatic step in the right direction! I plan to join the movement, and #OptOutside on Black Friday – climbing, canyoneering, hiking, or backpacking. I haven’t decided exactly which activity yet, but who cares? I know I’ll be outside enjoying our magnificent wild spaces, and you should be too.
What will you do on Black Friday?