REI Evolved To A Big Corporation Feel - Retail Store Manager REI Employee Review

4.0
Jul 15, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good people in stores that are motivated about the outdoors Fun Products to Sell Helping People Live Healthy Lifestyles Community Outreach Good product guarantee There is a lot of passion for the outdoors in the stores, especially in the mountain and desert stores. Employees encouraged to participate in outdoor activities and get to learn from each other.

Cons

Evolved to a big corporation feel. A former CEO changed REI’s mission and values from what had been a real story of love and history for the mountains and wild places to something less authentic. REI used to share its profits generously with employees, the community and its member-owners but cut this dramatically as the company expanded, losing sight of its history and strong mission. Now REI struggles to remain profitable and had to sell off its new corporate campus it couldn’t afford. . REI has focused on some political issues along the way that were not related to the outdoors specifically. This turned a lot of former customers into non-supporters and caused complaints in the stores. REI had a slogan when they opened the Washington DC store, “Right Side, Left Side, United Outside”. Corporate leadership lost their way on this uniting principle to the damage of its business .

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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