Great place to work with well-rounded people - HQ/Merchandising REI Employee Review

4.0
Oct 10, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Fantastic perks and benefits, especially the retirement match %. Deals direct from the vendor, discounts on purchases from REI, schedule flexibility, good health care costs. Company does a lot of good to encourage participation in the outdoors, protecting our land, etc. There were some really fantastic people that worked there, people who were legit to the core, and who are willing to take risks, to mentor others, and to really dedicate themselves to the company and what it stands for. Lots of like-minded people, value wise. There used to be a lot of support to grow your career within the company but that is dropping off a bit as the company gets bigger.

Cons

Poor accountability. Because the company so rarely fired or laid off anyone, there were plenty of people who just skated along, even if they were no good at their job. People, including upper management, were not given direct feedback which leads to promotion of incompetence or just punting someone who is troublesome around, hoping they will get fed up and leave on their own. It's the "REI nice" - people are nice to your face and don't give you honest feedback so it's hard to improve. Very frustrating for people looking to improve their skills.

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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