Great place to work but some improvements: - Sales Specialist REI Employee Review

4.0
May 12, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Smart, interesting, outgoing and kind employees to work with. Good benefits/401K/Medical. Relatively low stress, friendly supportive, team environment of all ages, gender and ethnicities. Customers are usually considerate and interesting. Very physical work. Nice to not be sitting behind a desk that keeps me active and in shape. Social opportunities to do outdoor activities with friends made at work.

Cons

Very low pay and narrow pay range. Must become a sales lead/manager to make more which does not approach a living wage in the Bay Area. Very physical work as on feet all day which can be exhausting. Only given a weeks notice of future schedule which makes life/family obligations difficult to juggle.

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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