Pros
I’ve worked for multiple REI stores over the course of a few years. I originally began at the Kennesaw REI in 2014 and loved it. I transferred to the Boulder, Co location and also really enjoyed my time there. I worked off and on for the company over a course of a few years. However, when I came back in 2018 to work at the Kennesaw location is was a totally different company. Most employees are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. The customers are amazing. I will say the STORE managers at REI Kennesaw and Boulder are both wonderful people and work extremely hard. You have a bunch of time for outdoor activities because they often cut hours unexpectedly!
Cons
I want to start out by saying I once loved REI and what they stood for. And not all locations are like this. When I came back to work at the kennesaw REI in 2018 the store was totally different. All of the amazing managers I had known before had moved away. When I inquired as to why, it seemed there was little room for growth in management for “certain types of people”. The current management at this location is very different from the Boulder Co. store and the earlier Kennesaw REI I knew and loved. They’re evasive when it comes to their employee obligations and more often than not, have trouble talking with their employees about sensitive topics. Since I left I’ve kept in touch with a couple of current employees who feel they are being personally attacked because of their gender and look. I too, feel this way, but didn’t feel like I had anyone to talk to because the ones who I was supposed to tell were the same people exhibiting this unprofessional behavior. For a company who preaches equality and fairness it was a surprise. I’ve never felt more inequality at a job. The only people who can sustain a living on their “salary” are retirees and management. And they cut hours unexpectedly. So before you take a “full time position” please have a back up plan because I know I was left stranded. It’s so unfortunate but I can’t in good conscious allow unsuspecting good people to walk into the same situation I did.