Horrible company to work for. Not a co-operative - Retail Sales Specialist REI Employee Review

1.0
Apr 11, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pay now begins at $15/hr, although it is less for warehouse employees and way more for leads & managers, and used to, about 15 years ago be barely above minimum wage at about $5/hour. They tried to improve but their history highlights their genuine motives and core values as a corporate conglomerate ate. You are only a number to them and you’ll be treated like you’re not human but a robot or a personality.

Cons

It is a corporate department store, no matter what the facade is they sell to the public and their employees. If you’re serious about a career in the outdoor industry, work for a local gear company, obtain sponsorship or start your own company. They treat you like a number, micromanage and are controlling via your hours and membership sales. If you don’t fall into their personality and ways of completing tasks expectations, they punish you.

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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