Yahoo Finance Patagonia to donate all Black Friday sales to environmental groups
It may not be exactly the good news that Black Friday shoppers were hoping for, but outdoor clothing retailer Patagonia has pledged to donate 100 per cent of its sales from that day to grassroots environmental groups.
The sum is pegged to be at nearly $2.7 million, according to CNN Money.
Patagonia is targeting organizations that aim to protect natural resources, such as water, air and the earth.
Donations will be collected from its 80 stores around the world as well as its website.
The move is in line, with the U.S. retailer’s reputation as it already donates one per cent of its daily global sales to environmental organizations, which totalled more than $9.5 million last fiscal year and nearly $100 million since it’s implementation.
That commitment dates back more than 30 years, however, this latest pledge was inspired by the results of the U.S. election.
“This is a difficult and divisive time for our country,” Lisa Pike Sheehy, Patagonia’s vice-president of environmental activism, told CNN Money.
“I believe the environment is something we can all come together on. Environmental values are something we all embrace.”
Corley Kenna, Patagonia’s director of global communications, told CNN Money that the donations would be spread across nearly 800 organizations around the world.
Patagonia’s president and CEO, Rose Marcario, said in a press release that the company is committed to helping protect the environment.
“This we know: If we don’t act boldly, severe changes in climate, water and air pollution, extinction of species, and erosion of topsoil are certain outcomes,” she said.
“The threats facing our planet affect people of every political stripe, of every demographic, in every part of the country. We all stand to benefit from a healthy environment — and our children and grandchildren do, too.”
But Patagonia isn’t the only company with an unconventional approach to Black Friday.
Fellow outdoor equipment provider REI gives its employees the day off and is encouraging them and its customers to spend the day enjoying the outdoors.
