Manager - Manager REI Employee Review

3.0
Jan 24, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Coop structure allows for customer-focused decision-making; history of the Coop is cool; REI does great work in local communities across the US; contribution to employee retirement plans is written into by-laws

Cons

The company has become significantly more hierarchical since Jerry Stritzke became CEO. This has slowed work down, removed decision-making from below VP level and created a culture focused on managing up and not on the customer. Employees who have been with the company for longer than 5 years are viewed as liabilities instead of assets. Senior Leadership has low awareness of the challenges of getting work done and dismisses the feedback from employees.

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

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All