Great culture, pretty good management and generally a fun place to work. - Anonymous employee REI Employee Review

4.0
Aug 29, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

REI is the kind of place where you can bring your total self to work. It values "authenticity" in its employees. This doesn't mean you need to be an extreme athlete, just love the outdoors and be passionate about sharing that love with other people.

Cons

Despite being a good employer and having a strong culture, REI has struggled to figure out how to be relevant to younger consumers and at times seems uncomfortable being a retailer and competing with others. Online retailers such as Amazon and Backcountry have been eating REI's lunch and there has been lack of consensus with what to do about it.

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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