All 195 REI stores across the country will shut their doors on Black Friday for the 10th year in a row.

What’s Happening: The outdoor retailer is giving its 14,000 employees a paid day off on Nov. 29 so they can spend time outside instead of working one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

What’s Important: This isn’t a one-time thing. REI made the Black Friday closure permanent in 2022, meaning employees get a guaranteed paid day off every year to be outdoors.

Between the Lines: The decision costs REI one of retail’s biggest sales days. But the company says the move reflects its values and has strengthened employee morale and customer loyalty.

What Is Black Friday: Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving when retailers offer major sales to kick off the holiday shopping sea

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