REI Employment - Retail Sales Specialist REI Employee Review

5.0
Jan 3, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The community benefits of living an outdoor lifestyle - free ski lift tickets to local mountains, free entry at certain climbing gyms, discounts with certain outdoor vendors. Ability to check gear out from the store's gear bank, free admission for REI Outdoor School Classes if there are openings within 48 hours of the class etc.

Cons

Scheduling can be a hassle occasionally, although more often than not finding coverage is not a problem. Also, hours and mandatory availability during "blackout" periods can be inconvenient; although that is often the standard in retail as well.

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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