Strengths and Weaknesses at REI - Sales Specialist REI Employee Review

4.0
20 Aug 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

REI offers a great discount to employees, hires cool people, gives days off when requested-- 2 per year paid, provides opportunities for advancement with responsibilities, and if you are sick, they will call someone in and tell you to feel better rather than forcing you to work.

Cons

As an REI employee, you will be forced to sell memberships, undergo unexpected cutting of hours, have few to no full-time opportunities, scrape by on minimum wage, and not get trained nearly the amount you will feel comfortable with (making customers suffer). Though I love working at REI for many reasons, the company has some big changes to make to be able to restore itself to the true co-op it was in 1938.

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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