All 29 of Patagonia’s U.S. retail locations will lock their doors and remain closed on election day, as will its Ventura, Calif., headquarters and its distribution and customer service center in Reno, Nevada.
The closure is part of the company’s Vote Our Planet initiative.
“During a time of catastrophic environmental crisis, when America needs strong leadership to confront the fundamental threat of climate change, voter turnout threatens to reach historic lows as people are turned off by the ugliness of politics,” said Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario. “As a business, we have a unique ability to take a stand and choose to prioritize the health of the planet over profit, and I think it’s important we take that opportunity when it truly matters. We want to do everything possible to empower citizens to make their voices heard and elect candidates up and down the ballot who will protect our planet.”
The Vote Our Planet campaign kicked off in September and focuses on educating citizens on how to use their votes for environmental causes, including strong climate action and a shift to renewable energy.
Patagonia is not alone in its move to close on election day, Nov. 8. The movement Take Election Day Off seems to have built momentum, with hundreds of businesses reportedly giving workers the day off.
