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Politics and Activism

#OptOutside

"While the rest of the world is fighting it out in the aisles, we’ll be spending our day a little differently. We’re choosing to opt outside, and want you to come with us."

Samantha Rogers

Nov 25, 2015

Western Washington University

57

#OptOutside

REI

Cross REI off your list of places to go this Black Friday.

“REI believes that being outside makes our lives better. That’s why this Black Friday, we’re closing all 143 of our stores and paying our employees to head outside.”

That’s right. This Black Friday, November 27, REI is closing every one of their stores, paying their employees to go outside, and urging all of you to #optoutside.

The Seattle-based outdoor company is standing up against the madness that is Black Friday and shutting down their doors on what is known as the highest grossing day in retail.

Companies like Costco and Nordstrom have shot back against Black Friday by refusing to open on Thanksgiving. However, REI is the first large retail store to ever forego the shopping madness all together.

This campaign has continuously been at the forefront of the media in the past weeks. What makes it special to me is not because they choosing to close down on Friday, but because they are urging their customers and the overall public to spend their holiday outdoors.

The holiday season pushes people in doors to sit around, eat unhealthy, and watch too much tv. REI, as a company, promotes a healthy lifestyle outdoors by using the brand's clothing. Now the company is taking the next step and saying that even if you aren't buying REI's clothing, you should still seek to spend time outdoors.

Most financial giants are speaking out against REI saying it’s suicide to close up shop on the busiest day of the year. REI dominates the outdoor retail business with over $2 billion in sales in 2014. Why miss out on one of the most popular shopping days of the year?

President and CEO Jerry Stritzke released this statement that sums up why REI is making this move to align with the company’s mission that “being outside makes our lives better.”

“For 76 years, our co-op has been dedicated to one thing and one thing only: a life outdoors. We believe that being outside makes our lives better. And Black Friday is the perfect time to remind ourselves of this essential truth. We’re a different kind of company – and while the rest of the world is fighting it out in the aisles, we’ll be spending our day a little differently. We’re choosing to opt outside, and want you to come with us.”

So after filling up on turkey this Thanksgiving, pledge to #optoutside.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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