Well intentioned company run by dramatic highschoolers - Anonymous employee REI Employee Review

3.0
Dec 6, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

REI genuinely loves the outdoors and makes decisions that try to reflect their values. They offer training opportunities, great benefits, and value environmental and social issues.

Cons

Crippling middle management, institutionalized heroics, complete lack of ambition or creative direction. Performance and knowledge of your craft/industry are completely overlooked and advancement is dependent on how likable you are (and I dont mean just having a positive attitude and working well with others... I mean an almost cultish fixation of "appearances and perceptions". If you dont enter or participate in the company chili cookoff, or weekend camping excursion, or some other corporate kumbaya activity, expect to lose the respect of the people who decide your future at the company). Rumors are spread in hallways faster than on a political reddit post. There is more drama at this company then a party of highschool thespians. Which is a shame, because REI at its core, is wonderful and has the potential to change the world. Instead, they roast twinkies and pray for snow every year.

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
May 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Fun time with fun employees

Cons

Schedule was tricky to coordinate

3.0
May 9, 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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