Editorial Cartoon: Front of the line

This week's editorial cartoon by Frank Shiers looks at REI's headline-grabbing Black Friday decision.

This week’s editorial cartoon by Frank Shiers looks at REI’s headline-grabbing Black Friday decision.

The outdoor goods retailer announced at the end of October it would close its doors Nov. 27 and give its 12,000 employees a paid day off, while encouraging them to spend the day outside.

“Black Friday is the perfect time to remind ourselves of the essential truth that life is richer, more connected and complete when you choose to spend it outside,” REI President and CEO Jerry Stritzke wrote co-op members at the time of the announcement.”

REI has encouraged the general public to join REI employees in going outside on Black Friday, under the #OptOutside hashtag.

But Shiers imagines some other possible destinations for REI employees.