Not the place to be if you are looking to advance. - Sales Lead REI Employee Review

2.0
Sep 25, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great coworkers, great discounts on gear, friendly engaging customers. Good backup from management when dealing with problems. Decent pay for retail. Good benefits package and bonus structure.

Cons

REI still can't figure out what it wants to be or where it wants to go, lack of corporate direction. Poor planning and forecasting in buying product. Slow, unclear ndorsement process leave employees at the mercy of their management team when it comes to advancement, does not reward real management talent. Limited scope for advancement and growth. Good talented people leaving for companies that better recognize and reward talent.

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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