Churn now, I expect it will get better. - Senior Product Manager REI Employee Review

3.0
10 Feb 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good brand. Good customers. Good values. Many good employees. Good business model (Co-op). Good growth. Good culture to contribution to society. Kent, Washington office isn't horrible, and too will be going away (eventually - location is stll TBD).

Cons

Many things are in flux, and there are many changes happening. Some groups are struggling to learn how to structure and run their business in the modern world. REI's "management structure and culture" felt entirely like military rank class, where the Enlisted class classed with the Officer class. This is in contrast to being a good leader, and those "officers" treated employees like humans, and work to understand the problems they're trying to solve. Many old technology, and technology practices, with few (no?) technologists in management. Waterfall and Projects are entirely too common (Note: Agile is present, and trying to take hold elsewhere, but still being figured out)

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
24 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great work environment, Management Cares. Great discounts if you are into outdoors stuff

Cons

Sometimes mundane work, but coworkers are great

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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