Great company culture, fun co-workers and customers, but low pay for being billed as "experts." - Camping Specialist REI Employee Review

4.0
Aug 14, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I really enjoy backpacking and getting outside, so it's quite cool to work at a company where so many others I interact with are into getting outside. The co-op structure of REI is pretty rad, as are the company's core values. I enjoy the management and customers. YayDay—6 hours of paid time to do whatever you want outside (8 hours for full time employees—is an awesome program that you get twice a year. Gear discounts are sweet (but dangerous).

Cons

The pay is low and schedules are inconsistent week-to-week both in when scheduled and how many hours are given. Not a lot of advancement opportunities on the retail side.

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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