SEATTLE – November 03, 2026 -- REI Co-op will close all of its stores on Black Friday, Nov. 27, giving its 12,000 employees a paid day off while online shoppers can still place orders.

Every REI location shuts down on Nov. 27

Stores, distribution centers, call centers and headquarters will all be closed. Customers can browse and order on the website that day. Order processing and fulfillment resume the following day.

Opt Outside has run since 2015

REI launched Opt Outside in 2015 as an invitation to skip the shopping crowds on Black Friday. The company says the campaign has inspired millions of people and hundreds of organizations to rethink how they spend the day. In 2022, REI made the annual closure permanent, so employees will have the day off every year.

Any time outside counts

This year, REI is stressing that there is no wrong way to Opt Outside. A hike, a walk around the neighborhood, a picnic in the park or simply stepping out for fresh air all qualify. The invitation extends to the co-op's 26 million members.