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Customers and staff are seen in a file photo at REI SoHo in New York City.
(Matt Peyton | AP Images for REI)
The CEO of outdoor gear retailer REI is ripping Macy's for its decision to open even earlier on Thanksgiving this year.
CEO Jerry Stritzke told Business Insider that the move reflects poorly on the entire industry.
"Retail is tough enough today, but you have to stand for something - not just 'come buy stuff,' " Stritzke said, according to the website. "I hate to see that kind of decision. I hate to see it for employees and I hate to see it for the retail industry. I don't think it serves Macy's or retail well."
Stritzke also said the earlier opening "misses the point of what Thanksgiving is about."
Macy's will open at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving this year, an hour earlier than in 2015.
REI attracted some attention last year with its decision to stay closed not only on Thanksgiving, but also on Black Friday, which is traditionally a big day for retailers of all stripes.
REI will remain shut both days again this year. It also won't process any online sales.
The company is instead encouraging its employees and customers to head outside.
The firm will pay employees for the time off, according to Business Insider.
Stritzke acknowledged that the Black Friday move last year was a big risk. He told Business Insider he wasn't sure how it would be received.
REI has never opened on Thanksgiving.
The chain's sales dipped over the holiday weekend, but later rebounded, according to Business Insider. The company also generated plenty of goodwill on social media for its decision.
"We were blown away by how enthusiastic the response was," Stritzke said, according to Business Insider. "Obviously we lost sales on Black Friday, which was a very big day for us, but overall it didn't hurt our trend."
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