A huge disappointment - Retail Sales Associate REI Employee Review

1.0
Jan 22, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great co-workers! Hard working and dedicated.

Cons

I started at REI with 10 years of retail experience. My starting pay was $12.00 an hour and I was hired part time. I soon realized that there is NO guarantee of hours, much less 20 hours per week so I would be eligible for insurance. In fact my manager told us new part timers that we were not guaranteed any hours. So depressing...During holidays hours were good but once the holidays were over I was lucky to get 8-12 hours a week. That way the company doesn't have to pay insurance benefits for part time staff. Is really shameful. If you are a part time employee at REI you simply DO NOT MATTER. I left REI and actually cancelled my membership with the company that I had for years. I will never be a customer again. I encourage anyone who has had a similar experience to speak up!!! This company needs to do better.

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

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