No longer what it once was - Anonymous employee REI Employee Review

1.0
Mar 10, 2024
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

None anymore. The discount isn't worth the way they treat employees. You can get an outdoor gear discount elsewhere without putting yourself through the pain of only being valued if you sell memberships and credit cards. REI used to be a great place to work...but no more.

Cons

They have moved to a culture where tenured knowledgeable employees are being laid off to save money. If you have an opinion that isn't part of the "plan", you are terminated. If you don't sell enough memberships and credit cards, you will be terminated. Retail store employees and managers are taking the blame for the failures of senior leadership, and senior leaders continue to be over-compensated despite failures. In contrast, store employees are barely able to survive. It's gone from a great organization to one that is being completely mismanaged at the highest levels.

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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