Better than most retail stores, but it's still retail. - Cashier REI Employee Review

2.0
Apr 23, 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Employee discount - 20% off everything in the store, 50% off REI brand, and special deals on top of that. Minimal availability requirements for PT - 2 half shifts during the week, one full shift on weekends. PT health benefits. The store overall is a little higher class than most retail, which means a higher percentage of customers who don't suck. They actually pay above minimum wage for starting positions if the cost of living in your city is high.

Cons

If you're PT, and almost everyone in a starting position is, you may frequently only get 5 hours of work a week. "Black-out dates" - days when you're not allowed to request time off - cover roughly 90% of the calendar! It's impossible to take a week off to go visit family at *any* time of the year. These stores live and breathe through the folks who do floor sales - the people with astounding product knowledge - and they aren't paid much more than a cashier.

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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