“Benevolent” Big Box Store - Sales Lead REI Employee Review

2.0
Jun 6, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

If you’re a lover of the outdoors and enjoy outdoor hobbies, you will definitely appreciate working in a “toy store” full of quality gear.

Cons

By far, the largest con would be the total emphasis on membership sales. It does not matter what else an employee brings to the table. If they don’t push the membership as hard as possible, they will be penalized in some fashion. My membership sales were fine, but REI’s treatment of employees hinges entirely on one metric. That is not at all what you would expect from a company that works so hard to appear different from other big box stores. Also: Poor compensation, Lack of focus on employee knowledge and competencies, and the fact that they market themselves through virtue signaling and pandering. Trust me, they don’t really care about anything beyond their bottom line. Seeing behind the curtain was discouraging as a longtime member of the co-op… which is not an actual co-op, by the way. Members do not get to choose board members or vote on many important issues. REI used to be run by folks who love the outdoors. It has gone 100% corporate and uses the environmental/inclusivity platform to guarantee growth.

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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