One of the TOP companies to work for! - Sales Specialist REI Employee Review

5.0
13 Feb 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great work environment, fun co-workers, instant friends network, fun customers. I'm a shoe sales specialist, and I'm kind of a nerd about it. I love my co-workers, my customers and my supervisors. I love what I sell too. Really, you can't beat it.

Cons

With all retail sales environments, you have the occasional grumpy customer. In general, I think REI's customers are a lot more fun to work with than some at other local retailers. There's obviously the push to "sell, sell, sell," but that's expected. And honestly, I was once rewarded by my supervisor for convincing a customer NOT to buy a new pair of boots. Instead I worked with the customer's current pair until they fit correctly.

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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