Upward movement is nearly impossible - Retail Sales Associate REI Employee Review

3.0
Feb 7, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexible scheduling. Employees are made to feel that their taking time-off is important. Good pay for retail positions. Most employees have at least some higher education. Excellent discounts on outdoor gear.

Cons

No commission on sales, even for big ticket items. There is little room for upward movement within the company. Many supervisors simply keep changing stores hoping to fill empty spots when store managers leave for other better paying positions at other companies. Supervisors change so frequently that you cant' keep track of who you're supposed to report to. CEO's are shape-shifters; the current one used to work for Coach (purses) and Victoria Secret, business models far removed from what REI used to stand for.

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
Jun 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

very supportive management and team members.

Cons

sometimes, the hours are late. But very doable.

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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