By Sherri Simmons, President and CEO

Today REI announced a really bold move. It will be closing its stores on Black Friday and encouraging everyone to go outside instead of shopping. Using the hashtag, #OptOutside, you can share what you are doing and invite your friends and family to join the fun.

We at Duffey Communications love this idea!

It not only gives us a reason to avoid the pressure of finding the best deal and escape the awful traffic – it gives us the opportunity to work off some of that Thanksgiving turkey and dressing … and casseroles … and pumpkin pie … and pecan pie … and so on … and so on.

Here's a link to some great hiking trails in Georgia – and on the way, you’ll probably pass a Christmas tree farm where you can get a head start on your holiday decorating. Even if you don’t like hiking, there are a lot of options to join REI and #OptOutside.