Poor Work Life Balance - Retail Sales Manager REI Employee Review

4.0
May 20, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

• Amazing healthcare and 401k • Great co-workers • Great discounts I am a retail manager and if that is what you are, then there are probably not many gigs as sweet as this one. I never work more than 40 hours per week unlike some of my counterparts that work for other retailers. There are some great managers at this company and working for them is very rewarding.

Cons

There is poor work/life balance in retail. Whenever the rest of the world is spending time with those they hold dear, retail employees are at work. There are some terrible managers working at this company and working for them sucks all the fun out of the job. The pay is lower than one might expect from a billion dollar retailer and the opportunities to advance just aren't there for even the best employees if they are not willing to move cross-country.

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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