Declining quickly - Sales Specialist REI Employee Review

2.0
Jul 31, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good part-time job for youngsters who do not really expect to be treated well. Its just retail, after all.

Cons

Store managers drawn from the bottom drawer; taught to use the same sleazy techniques one would expect from Walmart. Under all the cheerleading, there is just the worst sort of morale-killing dishonesty and childishness that is the stereotype of retail management. Plainly put, the store is run like a middle-school yearbook, with all the foolishness and mean-spiritedness that implies. Corporate recruits managers partly through pointing out how they will have power over employees, with no mention of the responsibility that should be the key focus of properly constituted management. But its just retail, so who really cares, so long as memberships are sold and comp goals are met, right?!

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
May 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fun time with fun employees

Cons

Schedule was tricky to coordinate

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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