Great transition positions between other full time jobs - Sales Specialist REI Employee Review

4.0
Oct 25, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

For me, REI was a great transition job. It gave me flexibility in my schedule, giving me time to plan the next step in my career. The pay was sightly better than most retail jobs and the work environment is very positive. The shoppers tend to be well informed and the interactions all tend to be positive. They also have a good discount purchase program for the employees.

Cons

The flip side the schedule is that it changes every week. Days, then nights and always some part of a weekend. I didn't like having my personal time change every week. The is the stress placed on meeting goals for memberships sold - it's not that hard, but still a an issue when you don't meet your goal. It can also cause a problem when another employee feels that you scooped a shopper that they thought they had sold a membership to. They also employ the mystery shopper score system - so be prepared to be judged on your performance.

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
Jun 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

very supportive management and team members.

Cons

sometimes, the hours are late. But very doable.

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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