Nice idea, but... - Anonymous employee REI Employee Review

2.0
Sep 1, 2010
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Outdoorsy stuff is inherently interesting and entertaining. You can meet some cool people if you play your cards right and keep your eyes open.

Cons

REI's a lot like communism. It looks good on paper, but fails in practice. It's just another big box store. Retail is retail is retail. And the focus on memberships has a cult-like feel to it. I just read that REI only donates $18 per member annually, less than the $20 lifetime membership fee. This is less than .3% of sales. Patagonia donates 1%. (figures from 2005) And I really cannot convey in words the amount of attitude I get from the vast majority of my co-workers. They're all haughty, judgmental jocks who take themselves super seriously because they go outside. I have felt excluded since I started there a year ago, which bothered me at first. Now I thoroughly enjoy it, since they took me off the sales floor and stuck me in the back. I don't have to talk to anyone. And I was thankfully relieved of my membership cult member duties. I was hoping for more hippie-types, and I have been sorely disappointed.

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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