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Daily Talker: Closed On Black Friday

Outdoor retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc., known as REI, has announced it will buck Black Friday and close its 143 stores on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

The company emailed employees Monday, saying instead of working they'll be paid on Nov. 27 to be outside.

REI also created the social media hashtag (hash)optoutside and a website where people can share their outdoorsy plans for that day.

The National Retail Federation said fewer people shopped over Thanksgiving weekend last year due to early discounts, more online shopping and a mixed economy.

A $2 billion-a-year company, REI has been named by Fortune Magazine as one of the top 100 companies to work for.

What do you think of REI's decision to close on Black Friday? Do you think more stores should do the same?

Leave your comments below, or on Facebook or Twitter using #WBZTalker.

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