REI reviews

Some stores are run by managers who do not understand how to run a store and generate sales without cutting corners. Unfortunately one of the ways they meet these goals is by reducing payroll hours which leaves you understaffed. At one of my stores, this meant that you had to give total open availability only to get a measly 20 hours per week. And work life balance means nothing when you're working somewhere that is the epitome of inefficiency. Some managers don't appreciate hard work and favor employees who make them feel liked. This creates an environment where lazy employees get promoted and/or scheduled the most hours. At the store I am describing the store manager blamed sales specialists for low morale, treated us like children, and lacked any real leadership skills. He was passive aggressive with feedback and never gave a clear path for development and improvement. My experience at the other two stores were superb. Excellent team oriented environment where managers and co-workers treated everyone with respect.

The focus has apparently changed since I was first hired and the drumbeat now is "sell, sell, sell memberships." Although the mantra of "great customer service" is still used, the bottom line is the number of memberships you sell as an employee. Charts are everywhere with employees' names and membership numbers listed. People with more memberships are praised in "huddle." It appears that employees with the best membership numbers are given preferential hours and shifts. This has resulted in a competitive and sometimes confrontational atmosphere among sales staff on the floor, with some employees "poaching" memberships from customers being assisted by their own co-workers. It doesn't seem that there is much difference these days between REI and salespeople in other venues working on commission. Sad. The "team" approach is gone. It is every person for him or herself.