Great place to work before the economy collapsed; not so great after. - Customer Service Specialist REI Employee Review

2.0
Jan 26, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Really, truly great lateral co-workers; awesome deals on gear--like so awesome it was the only thing that kept me there for so long.

Cons

Management at the store I worked; corporate cloud of control; way too much focus on numbers and selling the "co-op." REI only hires part-time workers and purposely keeps them under a gross 32 hours so that they aren't considered full-time and able to receive benefits. If you can sell stuff (specifically a membership) then this is the place for you. They've way over expanded and will feel the pain of their greediness soon. REI was a great place to work before the economy crapped out, but post-2007 it turned into a strictly numbers company focused on putting stores in every market possible--especially ones that made no sense. The idea of the once great co-op has been lost in dollar signs and is now just another Dick's or other hollow sporting goods store.

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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