Outdoor Research joins national retailer REI in effort to encourage people to get outdoors and have fun.

SEATTLE, Wash. (Oct. 28) – On Black Friday, November 27^th, Outdoor Research, manufacturer of outdoor apparel and accessories, will close its corporate offices, distribution center, on-site Seattle factory and retail store, in addition to launching a give-back Instagram challenge campaign, to encourage its employees and consumers to get outside, have fun, and give back. OR was founded in 1981 on the idea that getting people outside makes their lives better. Learn more about OR’s story here -http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/about/our-story/

REI announced earlier this week that it will close all of its 143 retail locations, headquarters and two distribution centers on Black Friday, historically the biggest shopping day of the year, to support its employees and customers in heading outside.

In addition to closing and encouraging employees and consumers to get outside, Outdoor Research will be launching an Instagram challenge campaign to raise money for Paradox Sports – an organization that improves people’s lives by creating physical adaptive sport communities built to inspire. For three days - the day of Black Friday, and the following weekend, outdoor enthusiasts will be encouraged to take a picture of their adventures outside, and tag them with REI’s #OptOutside hashtag, and #OutdoorResearch. For each 100 submissions, OR will donate $1000 (up to $5000) to Paradox Sports. 

Recognizing the contrast between the madness that Black Friday has become and the simple joy of spending time outdoors, Outdoor Research’s CEO Dan Nordstrom said, “REI’s decision is monumental – our core purpose at Outdoor Research has always been to inspire more people to get outdoors and through that experience better understand themselves and our planet.  The REI campaign resonated powerfully for us because it aligns with our own values. It’s an easy decision to join with REI employees and get outside on Black Friday, as well as use the opportunity to raise money for a great organization like Paradox Sports.”

This Black Friday, OR encourages everyone to get away from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, #OptOutdoors and give back.

About Outdoor ResearchOutdoor Research® is Designed by Adventure®. We provide Innovation and Inspiration for the Relentless Adventurer. Based in Seattle, Outdoor Research was founded in 1981. We are dedicated to building better outdoor apparel, gloves, hats and an array of other outdoor accessories informed by real-world testing. We develop innovative, functional, bomb-proof products that are beautiful in their simplicity. We strive to provide the best value to our customers, not shareholders. We are committed to our core sports: alpinism, rock and ice climbing, hiking, backpacking, paddling, trail running, and skiing and snowboarding. And we’re having fun along the way.

MEDIA CONTACTDave SimpsonVerde Brand Communicationsdave@verdepr.com(970) 259-3555