Good company hard to get promoted or transition to HQ position - Sales Lead REI Employee Review

3.0
Jan 18, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Heath care, 401k, fun atmosphere, lots of different types of people age groups and backgrounds,

Cons

Raises are applied once a year during “calibration” or a manager review. The employee isn’t given a chance to ask for more money if they feel falsely accommodated for their development in that role. Which I feel is a tactic to mitigate negotiations. “The increased pay has already been applied so…” The process for promotion in the time that I’ve worked there has been murky, no real training, just subjective goals held by a manager. The acquisition of said goals is supposedly supposed to be supported by measurable dollars (problem, solution, outcome) “I did “X” which changed “Y” which resulted in more sales/ professional growth etc. in my role (sales lead) I am not given access to any meaningful metrics to support my goals. Only managers have access to that. They are the gate keepers. And the turn over in those positions is go great, within management that establishing a relationship with my management team has been reset every year, in some cases every six months. This process then begins again, new goals and subjective assessments based on “gut feelings” or Personality is the basis of my development. In short the hoops are many the pay is mediocre, the effort is high and the reward for experience is low. This isn’t a great carreer type job unless you already have the skills they want at a store. Development or internal education is essentially YouTube videos, no classes or hands on training (beyond product training/clinics). Deveopment training is different. And your access to information for development is limited.

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

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All