REI is as great as advertised - Sales Specialist REI Employee Review

5.0
Oct 14, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The employee perks are incredible, well worth it in that alone. The other employees and store management are bought into the company too, the people that work at REI are truly passionate about the outdoors. They are very understanding and want all employees to understand and have a work life balance.

Cons

Only con is that the system for getting time off is outdated and difficult, nor are there "set" schedules, even for part time employees that would have an easier time with this, if they are doing the job (Like me) in addition to their full time employment. I will say, however, that the difficulty in getting time off should be expected... after all its retail and the needs vary which is another reason "set schedules" are not possible. If you sign up here forgetting it is retail, you'll be disappointed, but if you get it from the day you start, it totally make it awesome.

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
Jun 26, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good managers, deals, coworkers, products

Cons

No cons, I really liked my time.

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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