Don't be fooled by Forbes Best Companies status! - Anonymous employee REI Employee Review

1.0
Apr 11, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Your coworkers will be some of the most talented, dedicated and wonderful people you'll ever meet

Cons

The company consistently underpays, understaffs, and consistently undermines any chance of success. We are constantly set up for failure. There is basically no communication - and when management does talk to you, it's always negative. The company still functions under severely antiquated technology and management style. Favoritism, ageism and many other 'isms' are abundant. HQ is the ivory tower and retail stores are the serfs that keep the kingdom afloat. Corporate rides high on PR stunts and high pay on the backs of the low paid retail and distribution center employees. Store employees are slowly starved of hours until they are forced to leave. There are just a handful of coveted full-time positions, and unless you're a favored daughter/son, forget it!

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

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All