Started out great… - Sales Specialist REI Employee Review

3.0
12 Nov 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Really decent pay for a part time retail job; not very physically demanding; coworkers are great people and there are many opportunities to meet amazing customers; ProDeals and discounts are truly hard to beat.

Cons

There is no recognition where it is due. In the past year and a half of my time there, I have really seen things go down hill. With a new CEO, the focus has been pushed more towards money, money, money from a true passion to get people outside. Pushing the membership gets really old, really fast. Depending on the location of the store, the customers can be absolutely awful. I wish REI was the same it was when I stated. Maybe other stored are better, but mine makes me cringe when I go into work.

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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