Patagonia Closing Stores on Election Day

Patagonia is joining other companies that are giving workers a day off on Election Day, saying it wants to encourage its employees to have the time to elect candidates up and down the ballot who will protect the environment. A movement called "Take Off Election Day" has enlisted hundreds of tech companies, mainly smaller ones, to give people Nov. 8 off. Patagonia is the largest company so far to join the movement. The retailer will close its corporate office, customer service and distribution center and all 29 U.S. stores on Election Day for the first time, giving its 1,800 workers a paid holiday.

Total Retail Talks: Patagonia, long celebrated for its commitment to sustainable products and eco-friendly policies, is putting its money where its mouth is. The retailer is taking a bold step, and should be applauded for it. Ensuring that its employees have the opportunity to get out and vote — while encouraging them to support candidates that are championing environmental issues — Patagonia is willing to sacrifice revenue to further its mission. And if REI's decision to close its stores on Black Friday is an indication, Patagonia might recoup some of those last sales on Nov. 8.