Great job...until you realize there's more out there - Store Manager REI Employee Review

2.0
17 Apr 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The benefits are great, the time off is quite flexible, and you work with amazing people who will teach you everything you want to know about the outdoors.

Cons

You have to sell your soul. They do a great job of pretending to the outside world to espouse values that they pay Fortune magazine to make it sound like they uphold, while trampling on those values and devaluing the people who work for them. Internally they also do a great job of making you think there's nowhere better to work. It's true it's a trade-off - flexible scheduling traded for weekends off and knowing you'll see your family for dinner and holidays; great healthcare traded for a livable wage; kowtowing to 20-something inexperienced "managers" traded for accountability and responsibility and being respected for your hard work and knowledge.

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
16 May 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
9 May 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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