Just as he made a choice to close, other companies made a choice not to close. This is still America, right?
It's commendable he chose to close REI on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, and pay employees, though don't make the assumption this is because everyone wants to 'celebrate' Thanksgiving.
Unless every retail company CEO is willing to pay full wage compensation on every US holiday so that necessary bills get paid AND give all their employees those holidays off to use as they please, I think he sounds ridiculous making such comments.
3) When is the last time your landlord or mortgage, insurance, utility, ISP and landline/cell phone company said you do not have to pay your bills on US holidays? Never.
'Greedy bastard' is a bit strong IMO. However, others should respect that 1) Every person does not engage in celebrating US holidays, 2) Some people desire to work on US holidays and...
It is really sad that one day out of the year yeah, our country cannot take a break to be with their friends and their family.