Great environment depending upon the management in place - Sales Specialist REI Employee Review

3.0
Oct 19, 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great prodeals on gear. I got a $575 North Face hard shell for $95 through a special North Face was offering to REI employees. Work-life balance - they are great about giving time off, as long as you give enough notice (3 weeks). Otherwise, it is up to you to find your replacement. I've had some managers who have been really great, and some, not so much. It all depends on the managers who are at your location.

Cons

They promote management that doesn't always have the skills to communicate effectively, whih in turn can negatively effect the whole store. The pay is low compared to retail industry standards. It really is only a place you want to work for discounts and spending money. They only hire part-time. Hours can be incredibly difficult to come by during the slower times of the year. Too much focus on membership sales. People who sell a lot of memberships but know little about gear get rewarded with hours.

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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