While most stores are gearing up for one of the busiest shopping days of the year, REI Co-op is once again taking the opposite approach, and closing its doors completely on Black Friday.
That includes the Kentwood location near the Woodland Mall, which will stay closed on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday as part of the company’s “Opt Outside” movement.
Instead of opening early or hosting big sales, REI will be giving all 14,000 of its employees a paid day off to spend outdoors and enjoy time away from work. The outdoor retailer says it hopes this move inspires others to “rethink the start of the holiday season.”, and as a company who sells gear for outdoor enjoyment year round, it’s nice to see them taking their own messaging to heart.
REI made the “Opt Outside” benefit permanent for their employees nationwide back in 2022, turning what started as a single-day campaign into a company-wide tradition…