REI Reviews

I have been working at REI part-time for more than a year

Pros – This is the first job I've had where there is no "office drama". I enjoy being around everyone I work with and don't feel like my job is an obligation. The management team works hard to help each employee attain their goals within the company and helps to promote a healthy work-life balance by approving time-off requests without batting an eye. Also, the benefits - even for temporary hires - are great! REI really cares about its employees, and I don't think that is something that can be said about most companies.

Cons – It would be nice to have regular hours and higher pay, but this is a part-time retail position, so for the other benefits listed, I can't complain much.

Advice to Senior Management – Keep up the good work!

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I have been working at REI part-time for less than a year

Pros – Great community, wonderful management, promoted my interests as well as those of my colleagues. The co-op structure is for real, and we all took that to heart; REI has great values and stands by them, all the way to the top, and help create a wonderful atmosphere.

Cons – Hours were always a struggle, which was a bigger disappointment than the pay (~$12/hr starting). Training was nearly non-existent, which led to inadequate product knowledge among many employees.

Advice to Senior Management – Continuing product training from vendors every new season would be great for building product knowledge, as we had to learn everything ourselves and I know we didn't have enough of a knowledge base to best serve our customers.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

I have been working at REI part-time for more than a year

Pros – As a retail employee, the pay is competitive, you receive full medical/dental/vision benefits, discounted gear pricing and prodeals, access to 401(k) with employer contribution, the chance to work in a generally fun and laid-back environment with good people and product. Part-time employees do not accrue vacation time. Full-time employees do accrue at a generous rate.

Cons – Scheduling can be inconsistent and is heavily dependent on seasonal sales. While competitive by retail standards, the pay is still not great, and many workers have additional jobs.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I worked at REI part-time for more than a year

Pros – REI is very flexible with hours. When you apply you rank your interests in the outdoors and they try to match your likes with a suitable department. They offer medical/dental benefits even for part time employees, which is very hard to find and of course they offer their employees an awesome discount.

Cons – Not a lot of full time positions, have to work one weekend day a week.

Advice to Senior Management – Keep on being a great place to work!

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

I have been working at REI part-time for more than a year

Pros – Great People work here and you get good pay for the work your doing. Additionally you get an excellent discount and free rental of lots of cool gear. Finally, there is a strong focus on life work balance.

Cons – The hours can be minimal, and sometimes work can a bit tedious. Also, lots of other employees are not into out door activities.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

I have been working at REI full-time for more than a year

Pros – Great employer. They excel at empowering employees by providing excellent training and support.

Cons – Difficult to get on "full time," as they primarily hire and employ part time positions.

Advice to Senior Management – None.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I have been working at REI part-time for more than 7 years

Pros – They care about their staff and retention. Awesome deals on gear! they offer insurance for part time employees.

Cons – Hard to advance within the company based on education and experience, they seem to only promote based on seniority.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

I have been working at REI part-time for more than a year

Pros – You get the opportunity to move around to different stores as a green vest. You get health care, awesome deals on gear, meet people who enjoy the out doors, and get to learn new activities with co-workers. Stealing to not tolerated at all as an employee.

Many of the people I work with are fantastic, they are really helpful when it comes to trying new things in the outdoor.s Great knowledge base among the the staff. Co-workers want to go out with each other and do things. They help you feel comfortable with what your doing for the first time. If you don't understand something they will help you out.

Cons – It takes a while for people to get fired who should be. Like every retail job you get great customers but man when you get the jerk ones, you really do get them (doesn't happen to often Like one every 6-11 months). Only FULL time people are management.

Advice to Senior Management – Actually let people go when they don't follow the rules . After coaching the individual on multiple occasions, about the same thing or different things. Actually enforce what people should NOT wear to work.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend – I'm optimistic about the outlook for this company

I have been working at REI

Pros – Great people
A company that cares about its employees
Generous discount on products
Fun place to work

Cons – Working on weekends when it's nice outside.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I worked at REI

Pros – very open communication between store management and employees
employees are empowered to solve almost any customer problem without manager approval
good benefits and incentives even for part time employees
reasonable membership goals and support while you're learning and building up your numbers

Cons – I wish there were a more clear way for employees to get training in other sales areas

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend