Great work culture but limited growth potential - Retail Sales Associate REI Employee Review

3.0
Nov 9, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Some of the most honest and authentic colleagues I ever worked with. Customer base is enthusiastic to work with salespersons. Super cool benefits for industry employees. If all you need is a job that pays below market rate but gives great benefits this job is for you. However, can be a launching pad for those looking to get into vendor organizations due to great visibility.

Cons

Below market payrate. No commissions for talented salespersons. Growth potential is limited to young and inexperienced due to the company's desire to expand their customer base outside their traditional target market. Transparency from senior management is nebulous. Many have spent tireless hours working towards roles with greater responsibility and pay without a clear path forward. Company has lost the premium retailer status and has chosen to move toward a discount retailer model due to poor purchasing strategies and attempting to be who they are not.

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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