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For the fourth straight year, Seattle-based REI outdoor retailer will close its stores on Black Friday considered one of the biggest shopping days of the year to encourage their patrons and employees to take advantage of the day off to enjoy the outdoors.
Since its inception in 2015, more than 150 other companies have joined REI to closing their doors on the day after Thanksgiving, while hundreds of state parks across the nation have opened up for free as part of the #OptOutside initiative. And now REI is asking folks to even take in one step further, by taking part in the "opt to act" and join a nationwide clean-up effort on November 29.
"We’re still going to go outside and play – but this time we’re bringing our work gloves. And we’re inviting you to join us," wrote REI CEO Eric Artz, in a letter to members. "It’s time to fight for life outdoors – and life on this planet."
Locations of environmental cleanups are posted at www.rei.com.
We commend REI and all the groups taking part in the #OptOutside initiative. We can't think of a better way to enjoy the day by getting your hands dirty in a neighborhood clean up and just getting outside.
Another way to bolster your local outdoor community this holiday season is by patronizing your area paddle shops, instead of getting your kayaking and paddling gear either online or at a big-box superstore. By doing so, you support independent businesses owned by people who live in your community. Your dollars will stay local rather than padding the profits of a large corporate chain.
National statics say that $68 dollars of every $100 stay in the community when spent at a local business. That adds up to more local tax dollars funding state and county parks to provide river and lake access points, boat launch ramps, vehicle parking, and picnic areas. These are important components vital in providing recreational paddling opportunities along your favorite waterway. When spending the same at a non-local business like a national chain, only $43 stays in your community.
Yes, there is a perception that everything is cheaper on the Internet, which isn't necessarily the case when you tack on the cost of shipping. However, when you visit your local retailer, you will get to see and touch the items before you buy them. Enjoy some personalized service from a salesperson who will answer your all questions making sure the product is a good fit for you.
But, dollars aside you must remember that you are now part of the paddling community. The same folks who work in your local shop are part of your river and lake community. They paddle the same places you do. You might even paddle with them. By getting your gear from your local paddle shop you are keeping your friends employed as well as keeping informed on festivals, competitions, community gatherings and river cleanups on your waterways.
Your paddle shop owners and employees pride themselves on providing knowledgeable expertise on a wide range of kayaking and paddling equipment for paddlers of all skill levels. Here are a few bullet points of the services our friends at The River Store along the South Fork of the American River in Northern California provide to area paddlers.
- Got questions? We work hard to know or find the best answers for you and earn the honor of being “Your local Kayak Shop of choice."
- Need kayaking and rafting equipment? We test out and stock the best and we make sure that you know what the options are so you can make the best-informed selection for your purchase.
- Lessons and Education for all kinds of kayaking. ONLY the Best: this is why We started Current Adventures Kayaking School & Trips in 1994 and why we took over the River Store in 2004. We believe that we offer the best education with the best instructors and employees of any kayak shop in the west!
- Demos and rentals, from rafts and kayaks to skirts and drysuits and much more beyond. We offer the most complete rental and demo service in the region. We want you to know what you are getting and that it works before you spend your hard-earned money on it.
- Repairs. We have both in house and local sources for repairing gaskets, boats and more, and normally with a quick turnaround so you can get back on the water, usually within the week!
- Community events. From simple ice cream socials to large events, interaction and appreciation of community are huge for us, and there is no better community than the Coloma- Lotus Valley and the greater paddling community that cycles through our region.
- Information. Whatever you need when you need it- and if we can’t help you, we’ll tell you who can! You can reach us at The River Store by calling 530-626-3435 or emailing us at Info@TheRiverStore.com.
So as the holiday shopping days are upon us again, let's all remember to patronize our local paddling when thinking about getting that gift for our favorite paddler. And along the way, you might just pick up something for yourself too.
