NEW YORK — Specialty outdoor retailer REI will keep its stores closed on the day after Thanksgiving for the second straight year. It will also again pay employees for the day off in a campaign that encourages people to spend time outdoors.
CEO Jerry Stritzke told The Associated Press that the company’s move last year, which it dubbed #OptOutside, gained momentum on social media from outdoor groups. He said he saw more than 20,000 social media posts from REI’s employees. Many had their first Black Friday off in more than 20 years, he said.
REI, which has 149 stores, is now working with more than 275 organizations from the nonprofit, private and public sectors to push the idea.
REI’s decision to close on Black Friday sets itself apart, and it’s something Stritzke hopes to make a tradition.
