REI Co-op announced it would permanently close all its stores, including its distribution centers, activity centers, call centers, and headquarters on Black Friday; however, it is accepting customer online orders at REI.com, with order processing and fulfillment not beginning until the day after Black Friday.
Since 2015, REI Co-op has closed its doors on Black Friday as part of its “Opt Outside” campaign to encourage consumers and REI employees to spend time outside rather than shopping.
“Opt Outside has always been about prioritizing the experience of our employees—choosing the benefits of time outside over a day of consumption and sales,” said Eric Artz, president and CEO, REI, in a statement. “When we first introduced this movement, it was considered revolutionary for a retail brand, but we felt it was the right thing to do for our members and employees. Making Opt Outside an annual observance will serve as a yearly reminder of this commitment to doing the right thing for the co-op community.
“In the years since Opt Outside was first introduced, the co-op has grown to 16,000 employees and 21.5 million members,” continued Artz. “We’re a diverse and vibrant community that’s united by a shared love for time outside. That’s always going to be a constant for us—no matter the challenges we face. Opt Outside is an embodiment of our values.”
