People Waited Inside Cars At REI

I arrived at my local REI on Sun May 25, 2025 at 9:50am to avoid the big crowd during the Anniversary Sale. I was the second customer at the front door waiting for the 10:00am open. The REI staff were outside for the preparation meeting. All other customers waited inside their cars. Waited inside? We're REI customers. We're supposed to be outdoors. The customers waiting inside might have their reasons. Maybe some stayed warm inside the unseasonably cooler morning. Maybe some were on a phone call. Maybe some wanted to avoid the crowd at the front entrance due to COVID-19. I wore my mask. Everyone waited at the front entrance at 9:59am.

I purchased a Swiss Army Knife Huntsman for my nephew's high school graduation. My total shopping time was seven minutes. The shopping time could be five minutes if I didn't browse the lighters briefly and unexpectedly waited longer at the checkout line because the two customers ahead of me conversed with their cashiers. I exited REI to my parked car. I was surprised the number of cars doubled in the parking lot. It was the REI Anniversary Sale.