Pros
Meeting great people who share my outdoor interests - some of my closest friends now. And most of our customers love us - it's awesome to be a "hero" company from the public point of view. Heavy discounts on gear. People leave by 5 to go home - but not everyone...
Cons
REI HQ is a like a mean, small town (growing into a small-minded corporation). When you first arrive, it's welcoming. But inside, there's crazy politics, infighting, and land-grabbing of anything shiny (let's capitalize on Opt Outside...again!). The CEO comes from a luxury brand and it shows in every all-hands speech, and in attitude of his inner clique. Plenty of new managers and directors have arrived to climb the new corporate ladder. You have to get in with the right schmoozers if you want to get good projects, any credit, or a promotion. Otherwise, just enjoy the discounted gear. Before HQ moves to the inner suburbs of Bellevue.