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REI started as a cooperative, or co-op, in 1938 and we've stayed true to that business structure ever since.
Being a consumer co-op, rather than a publicly-traded company, enables us to focus on the long-term interests of the co-op and our members. We answer to you—our members—and run our business accordingly. And it means that we're able to operate a business that plays a vital national role in growing outdoor participation and protecting the environment for future generations.
Anyone may shop at REI, member or not. But co-op members pay $20 for a lifetime membership to join and receive a portion of the cooperative's profits each year based on a percentage of their eligible purchases, among many other member benefits.
Outdoor gear and sporting goods retailer REI is canceling Black Friday this year. No promotions, no hourly sales, no doorbusters, no waiting in line.
In an unprecedented move for the modern-day holiday shopping season, REI's 143 stores will be closed the day after Thanksgiving. The co-op business plans to launch a campaign Tuesday encouraging people to forgo shopping to spend time outside instead. With the hashtag #OptOutside, REI will ask people to share what they're doing on Black Friday on social media.
"The thing that is powerful to me is this clearly is not a financially self-serving act," he says. "It's an act where we're really making a very clear statement about a set of values."
...the outdoor and athletic supply store will close its doors on Black Friday, giving employees the day off with pay.
“We think that Black Friday has gotten out of hand,” said the company’s CEO, Jerry Stritzke. Online customers will be able to make purchases from REI on Black Friday, but first they’ll have to get through a homepage encouraging them to explore the outdoors instead of shopping.
originally posted by: olaru12
a reply to: MystikMushroom
I wonder why they call it "Black" Friday?
originally posted by: Edumakated
Rampant consumerism. I stopped going to black friday decades ago. I applaud REI and it is actually a good marketing campaign. Something tells me though the typical REI customer has nothing in common with the typical black friday shopper.
With that said, if a business wants to be open on Black Friday, more power to them.