Pros

awesome pro-deals on equipment and great co-workers to go out and enjoy outdoor activities with. also we got a lot of shwag (free gear) from visiting gear reps and store returns. if we were looking for something in particular the managers would look out for free gear for us when it came up.

Cons

hard to make a living if full time, salary increases are minimal and they done increase for cost of living. I worked there for almost 4 years and in the 4th year was only making about 50 cents more than the new hires.

you end up spending a lot of money on gear. best bet is to have a 'real job' with good income and work part time at REI for the gear discount.

turn over has increased more. leaves the stores with fewer veterans from which new-hires can learn from. I was lucky to have a handful of amazing mentors while i was there....these days though i just dont feel that REI employees have the caliber of knowledge and experience that it once did. And its apparent why....corporate REI doesnt offer the opportunity to stay and make a descent living.

Advice to Senior Management

i actually thought the management did a great job while i was there....permitting time off, fun to work with, realistic expectations ect. My complaints are with the corporate idealologies that really dont look out for the sales people...see above