Frontline Specialist- Customer Service - Frontline Specialist REI Employee Review

4.0
Aug 1, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great work life balance AMAZING discounts not just on REI products either- lift tickets, free REI classes Amazing coworkers with a passion for the outdoors Flexible schedule- with exception of "black out dates" 401k matching

Cons

Though REI claims to treat worker "so fair", and while yes they do pay a little above minimum wage, it would be nice if they paid their workers more or offered more than a measly 1-5% yearly raise... It kind of becomes a slap in the face. Almost everyone has 2+ jobs that work at my store.. It would be nice if I could fully dedicate my time to REI, but the pay isn't there, and off-season is SLOW for hours. you can't clear out your work week and then only be scheduled 11hrs (despite being a top membership seller and overall great employee/hard worker [per my manager]) They have asked to cross train me multiple times but refuse to compensate me through my wage.. More responsibility and more work for the same pay.... No way!!

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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