Cotopaxi reviews

3.1

44% would recommend to a friend

(136 total reviews)

Lindsay Shumlas

46% approve of CEO

44% positive business outlook

Cotopaxi has an employee rating of 3.1 out of 5 stars, based on 136 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Cotopaxi employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Retail & Wholesale industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

136 reviews
5.0
Mar 18, 2026

Excellent Runway Following Growing Pains

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This company genuinely walks the walk when it comes to its mission. Community giving and social impact aren't just marketing buzzwords. We show up in real programs and initiatives you can point to, which is rare in the retail industry. From my perspective, hard work is recognized and rewarded, Whether through performance incentives, internal promotions, or public acknowledgment. There's a real sense that if you put in the effort, it gets noticed and called out.

Cons

Over the past few years, Cotopaxi has gone through a transition from a more startup operated organization to a more modern corporate organization. For many, this changed their norms and has been received as a challenge. However, from my perspective, this change was necessary in order to improve our financial outlook and operating model. Now that the company is set up for sustainable financial success, leadership has the opportunity to reinvigorate the employees at Cotopaxi to drive a more consistent and fruitful future for all.

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Cotopaxi Response
3mo
Thank you for this thoughtful review and for the perspective you bring as someone who's been here through the transition. You named something real: the shift hasn't been easy for everyone, and we know that. Your framing of where we are now - set up for sustainable success with the opportunity to reinvest in our people - is exactly the direction we're working toward. The feedback on transparency and investing in the team is heard. That's work we take seriously, and we're grateful to have people like you who are still here, still contributing, and still holding us to a high standard.
4.0
Mar 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Cotopaxi is built on a strong mission and foundation. The company’s purpose is something people across the organization genuinely believe in, which makes it easy to feel proud of the work being done. The Cotopaxi Impact Fund and the commitment to give 1% of sales to vetted organizations is also something the company takes seriously. There’s real thought put into making sure the organizations supported align with the mission and are doing meaningful work. Sustainability is another big positive. All products are made with recycled materials, which reinforces the company’s commitment to responsible and environmentally conscious manufacturing. Employees also get great product discounts and access to gear, which is a nice perk when you work for a brand you actually like. And the people are great. The team is collaborative, supportive, and fun to work with. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie across the organization that makes it an enjoyable place to be for the most part.

Cons

As Cotopaxi has grown and evolved, the company has brought in a lot of new team members, updated benefits, and added new processes. There have been moments where communication around changes could have been clearer. Over the past year in particular, leadership has been trying to integrate the “old Cotopaxi” culture with new Cotopaxi that come with the business growing. At times, the organization hasn’t always fully understood the why behind those changes.

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Cotopaxi Response
3mo
Thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed review. This genuinely reflects so much of what we care about. The mission, the Cotopaxi Foundation, the people, the camaraderie - these aren't accidents, and it means a lot to hear they're landing the way we intend. Your advice is well taken. Bringing people along on the "why" behind changes, especially as we grow and evolve is something we can always do better. The goal has always been to grow in a way that makes us more Cotopaxi, not less, and communicating that more clearly is on us. Thanks for being part of the team and for taking the time to share this.
5.0
Mar 9, 2026

Heading in a great direction

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I rarely look at sites like this, as they can sometimes become forums for negativity rather than a healthy balanced perspective. However, after reading a number of recent reviews, I felt it was important to add some context and clarity based on my own experience. Working here has been a genuinely rewarding experience. It is an organization that is deeply respected, and the authenticity of the brand truly comes through in the work being done every day. There is a strong and shared sense of purpose across the company, and it is clear that people care deeply about the mission and the impact of their work. I feel very fortunate to be part of this team. One of the most encouraging aspects has been seeing the energy, talent, and fresh thinking brought in by newly onboarded team members. You can genuinely feel positive momentum building across the organization. The direction of the company is clear, and that sense of “true north” is reflected in the thoughtful decisions being made throughout the business.

Cons

Like any growing organization, progress requires a willingness to evolve. Welcoming new perspectives and embracing change are essential ingredients for strengthening the mission and ensuring the company continues to grow and thrive.

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Cotopaxi Response
3mo
Thank you for taking the time to share this - it genuinely means a lot. We know Glassdoor can sometimes reflect the loudest moments rather than the full picture, and we appreciate you adding your voice to it. What you've described - the sense of purpose, the momentum, the people - is exactly what we're working to build and protect as Cotopaxi grows. The direction is intentional, and it's encouraging to hear it's being felt on the ground. We're proud of the team we have and the mission we're rallying around. Thanks for being part of it!
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Glassdoor has 150 Cotopaxi reviews submitted anonymously by Cotopaxi employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Cotopaxi is right for you.