Fantasy versus Reality - Sales REI Employee Review

2.0
Aug 12, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

FANTASY: 'Oh wow, I can work with people that are outdoors-oriented. REI is a cool co-op. A different kind of retail environment. Good wages. Managers will be awesome and outdoorsy. They're a pretty big retailer with a decent reputation. Best positioned to ride out the COVID 19 pandemic!! Where do I sign-up?

Cons

REALITY: Reality is a bit different. Other over-the-top glowing reviews appearing here are pretty thin on details. Be alert regarding company placed reviews. REI lost a lot of employees due to the pandemic and they're yet to be replaced, Just sayin'... So yes, you're in the outdoors industry. But make no mistake once you're hired, it's about getting that great store discount. Period. Why? Because REI salaries are beyond disappointing. $15/hr? Because it's just part-time work, only. Because of high employee turnover due to COVID 19. Because loyalty to employees is now oddly unloyal. Despite robust outward appearances, REI is in 'pandemic panic' sales mode, and management's cool upbeat vibe changed dramatically as the stores reopened. REI has lost a lot of sales momentum and you'll feel it in the trenches. Seriously adding to the problem, many of America's parks, campgrounds, trails, etc., where REI customers go to travel and recreate are closed. Fun now? Define fun. Sure you're in an outdoorsy place. But, it's now a 'grind it out' retail environment during tough times just like all the other big box stores. Did I mention that it's about getting the store discounts yet? Yeah, that's the new Reality...

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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