"REI Co-rp" - Anonymous REI Employee Review

3.0
Jul 20, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Meeting great people who share my outdoor interests - some of my closest friends now. And most of our customers love us - it's awesome to be a "hero" company from the public point of view. Heavy discounts on gear. People leave by 5 to go home - but not everyone...

Cons

REI HQ is a like a mean, small town (growing into a small-minded corporation). When you first arrive, it's welcoming. But inside, there's crazy politics, infighting, and land-grabbing of anything shiny (let's capitalize on Opt Outside...again!). The CEO comes from a luxury brand and it shows in every all-hands speech, and in attitude of his inner clique. Plenty of new managers and directors have arrived to climb the new corporate ladder. You have to get in with the right schmoozers if you want to get good projects, any credit, or a promotion. Otherwise, just enjoy the discounted gear. Before HQ moves to the inner suburbs of Bellevue.

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
May 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

People and incredible work culture. REI truly walks the walk when it comes to company culture. Significant amount of focus on people and values in a genuine way. Exceptional benefits and pay. Making medical coverage available for all employees part time and full time.

Cons

Not many negatives to share.

3.0
May 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Most coworkers, some managers, discounts, outfitting people properly without extra nonsense

Cons

Some truly horrible managers, pressure to sell credit cards is a morale killer, the union people. Employees drinking the union kool aid fail to see the company’s position, REI cannot give higher pay, better benefits , consistent hours, etc… with the erratic revenue stream that comes in , if a 5 year average is X in revenue and 5 year average is Y on wages and costs, how are they supposed to increase wages and benefits? It’s numbers and they don’t line up, if REI gives the increases which increases the expenses greatly, they will cut staff, a lot fewer employees which will eliminate a bunch of union supporters, an REI job is not supposed to be a lucrative deal, when you get hired the part time , part time plus and full time options are there and you choose what you want fully understanding what hours you are going to get at minimum, they will hire those positions on a need basis, to cry later that you don’t make enough money is your fault, the terms were clear and you signed off on them. The union is promising rainbows , reality will be far different, careful what you wish for

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