REI Sticks to Black Friday Closure, Matches $1M in Donations to Environmental Initiatives
Outdoor retailer REI is sticking to its tradition of closing stores on Black Friday, a decision first made in 2015. This year, the company will also match up to $1 million in donations to its REI Cooperative Action Fund, supporting environmental initiatives. Meanwhile, REI employees in New York and Berkeley have voted to unionize.
REI's Black Friday closure allows over 16,000 employees to enjoy the outdoors. Since 2015, the company has maintained this stance, adding elements like a nationwide cleanup in 2019. This year, REI will match donations to its REI Cooperative Action Fund, supporting projects that align with its environmental values.
Customers can still place orders online on Black Friday, but order processing and fulfillment will begin the next day. REI has also recently announced that it will open stores late on Election Day to ensure employees have time to vote, demonstrating its commitment to its workforce and community engagement.
REI's Black Friday closure tradition continues, now with a focus on matching donations to environmental initiatives. The company's commitment to its employees, seen in their unionization and voting rights, and its dedication to the environment, reflect its core values. REI's online services remain available for customers on Black Friday, with in-store orders resuming the following day.
