OUTDOOR RETAILERS -- Recreational Equipment, Inc., has announced that its 143 retail stores will be closed on Nov. 27, a.k.a.Black Friday, one of the nation's biggest retail money making days of the year.

Instead, REI is telling its employees and customers to take the day after Thanksgiving off for a two-day break to enjoy the great outdoors.

Outdoor enthusiasts will have to look for another sale day to get a deal on a backpack.

Staffers will be paid for the day off.

Online orders will still be accepted!

REI co-op members got the news by email on Monday.

“While the rest of the world is fighting it out in the aisles, we hope to see you in the great outdoors,” REI managers said. 

REI is based in Kent, Washington.