In case you haven't heard, REI has made the decision to close on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday -- #OptOutside

It's a great idea, I dislike shopping in general though so I have a built in bias.

I agree it is a great idea. REI has long been a principal source of my outdoor goodies. They have a good selection of workable items and a commendable environmental ethic. There is also a fair amount of instructional information on their website, mostvof which is pretty decent.

I became an REI member when I was on active duty back in the 80's. Except for my uniforms and a couple suits (necessary for rubbing elbows) probably of my normal wear and all my civilian outerwear was bought at REI; they had what I needed and they still do.

Many places close for the Thursday and Friday of Thanksgiving. They don't advertise and blow their own horn that they are doing this, they just do it. And have been doing it for years.

That doesn't mean I dislike REI. Quite the opposite. I shop there frequently and enjoy REI's selection, quality and helpful employees. But I can recognize a marketing gimmick when I see one.

I support it. And I do not shop on those days anyway. The people who work in those places deserve the days with their families also.

They are certainly getting the PR benefit from this decision, which is not without its price. I understand employees get the day off with pay.

Of course, you can still patronize REI on BF. I'll bet their internet site will be operative.....

WOW! They'll probably take a financial hit but good on them, PR stunt or not.

I don't know about that. A lot of retailers do very well on their web sites and make a lot more sales online than they do at the brick and mortar shops. REIs website is one of the best for outdoor retailers.

I applaud the corporate decision to protect the sanity and even the life & limb of their employees from the ridiculous herds of people. The employees can serve the company better by doing basic chores and restocking the store.

You got that right! The last place I would ever want to be an employee on Black Friday is a WalMart. Every year you see total madness there on the TV news. They probably encounter more damage to their stores, and build up more expenses hiring extra security people to deal with the masses of idiots in search of a bargain. As an employee - give me some medieval knight plate armor and a broadsword and station me in the electronics department. I'd be like Michonne from The Walking Dead, except with adequate personal protective gear. Might be kind of fun to keep order that way.