Sales Associate - Anonymous employee REI Employee Review

3.0
Apr 6, 2018
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Friendly coworkers - Great if you are a student and have weird working schedules - Work-life balance for the most part

Cons

- Different stores have different work environments. I transferred from a store in the suburbs to one in the city and the work culture is totally different. - Depending on your manager you can hate it or love it. - Pay is NOT that great. I understand that we shouldn't be paid $20/hr or anything like that but the difference between management pay and that of sales associates and shift leads is ridiculous. For a company that is all about giving back, it sure leaves its workers to struggle, especially those that work and live in a big city. I know numerous, good hardworking individuals that have to work two jobs because the pay is so poor. - It will take you A LONG time to move up if you're starting from the bottom of the ladder.

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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