Pros
The ability to sell great products that you respect and believe in as well as the wonderful discounts afforded to employees. It is a good part-time (emphasis on part-time) job as far as retail employment goes.
Cons
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.