REI to close on Black Friday — pay employees to ‘Opt Outside’

REI Co-op is continuing one of its most iconic traditions.

The outdoor retailer will once again close its more than 190 locations — stores, distribution centers, adventure centers, call centers and headquarters — on Black Friday and encourage its 15,000 employees to spend the day outside enjoying nature. REI’s “Opt Outside” initiative dates back to 2015. In 2022, the company made Black Friday a permanent paid holiday for its employees. (REI is also closed on Thanksgiving.)  

Citing a “divisive election and hectic shopping season," REI said it will encourage customers to choose nature therapy as opposed to retail therapy. To support the theme, REI is offering a curated list of the most peaceful outdoor places, handpicked by the retailer’s employees across the country to help people find solace and rejuvenation in nature. (See list at end of article.)

"Opt Outside is a reminder of the impact that time outside has on our well-being,” said Eric Artz, president and CEO of REI.  “What used to be one of the most chaotic days for our employees is now one where they can do what they love. This year, REI employees are sharing their expertise to help us all find places where we can disconnect from the noise and chaos of the everyday by reconnecting with nature."