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SALT LAKE CITY — REI announced that stores will be closed nationwide for this year's Black Friday.
"It's a complete 180-shift from what everybody else is doing," said Peter Stefaniak, sales manager at REI in Salt Lake City. "It's truly amazing."
Stefaniak said REI is looking at the big picture and senior management didn't like what Black Friday has become. They decided REI shouldn't be part of it and instead is giving their employees the day off to spend time with family, go outside and relax.
"What a wonderful chance to spend time with friends and family," Stefaniak said.
REI knows by being closed on Black Friday, it's going to miss out on a lot of sales, maybe millions of dollars. It is one of the busiest sales days of the year. But the management also thinks, when it comes to having a day off, especially after Thanksgiving, money doesn't really matter.
"The day after Thanksgiving, just absorb and be thankful," said Stephany Curtis, an REI shopper.
Customers we spoke with think closing is a great idea and said some Black Friday shopping events get out of hand.
"Some guy got trampled at Walmart, and I'm like, this is not at all worth it. We stay away from it," said Ryan Smidt, another REI shopper.
And now, REI is staying away from it, too.
