Ups and Downs - Bike Shop Lead REI Employee Review

3.0
20 May 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Very inclusive environment and friendly staff

Cons

Management team is very disconnected from the staff. REI as a company dips their toes into many different brands and invest into various brands that eventually they aren't able to sell which then go to sales racks. REI hasn't been a profitable company for the last 2 years due to their poor decision making at the corporate level. This led the company to hiring a executive from companies that had to lay off many people in the retail world for example. Bed Bath and Beyond and Target. Which then they let go of many of the REI Leads which had a lot of knowledge in the outdoors. They did this in order to make up money for the mistake they made at the corporate level for investing in product that was not needed that sat in warehouses for quite a while.

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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