The popular outdoor recreation store REI will be closing all 143 stores on Black Friday this year — and here’s the kicker: their employees will STILL get paid! Instead of paying their employees to work the crazy holiday, REI wants to pay them to go outside — and they think you should do the same.
REI has launched the campaign #OptOutside, hoping to encourage people to skip the shopping and enjoy nature. The company is trying to convince consumers to start a new Black Friday tradition — one that celebrates what you already have.
There are a few other companies who are closing their doors on Black Friday, but this always comes with a risk. The holiday season is the most financially rewarding of the year, with Black Friday often times being one of the biggest days. Most stores couldn’t handle the loss of profits from Black Friday, but REI is willing to take the challenge to promote a healthier lifestyle. Since REI is a small co-op and not publicly traded, it’s a little easier for them to get away with closing on this big sales day.
What do you think of this statement REI is trying to make? Will this make you think twice about going out on Black Friday? Let us know where you stand.