On Thanksgiving and Black Friday, outdoor retailer REI Co-op will again close its over 190 locations—stores, distribution centers, adventure centers, call centers, and headquarters—and pay its 15,000 employees to Opt Outside.
REI’s Opt Outside started as a single action in 2015 to improve the employee experience at REI and has since prompted many other retailers to rethink their approach to the holiday shopping season. In 2022, the co-op made Black Friday a permanent paid holiday for employees.
“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, president and CEO of REI. “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.”
Image courtesy REI
