An Ill-managed Company Masquerading as Progressive - Sales Specialist REI Employee Review

1.0
12 Oct 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Flexible time off. - Ok pay for retail (still can't afford rent comfortably...) - Attracts fun employees. - Offers "ok" benefits to part-time employees. - Does some good for the world through community impact.

Cons

- Ill-managed from the top down. - Is not a co-op and uses the legal benefits of a co-op so as to not be held responsible for poor decisions. - Does not care about the health and safety of its workers. - Treats employees as disposable (ie. Laid off a large amount of employees with no notice, all of whom are the most knowledgable.) - Pretends to be a career job. (ie. see above) - Actively union busts. - Does not engage in good faith bargaining practices. - Has a massive divide between corporate and local stores resulting in the ability of active harm to local employees.

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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