Great mission, but HQ isn't well run - Manager REI Employee Review

4.0
7 Jul 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Responsible corporate citizen trying to do good in the world and for our members. Colleagues are great people who share the vision and passion for the outdoors. Great work-life balance, fairly good benefits.

Cons

Headquarters organization poorly managed, leadership and HR not strong at day to day running of the organization, especially talent management. Still run like a much smaller company, especially HR, Finance. Not exactly a meritocracy - bad apples are allowed to stay if they make a good impression with certain leaders, hard workers are often taken advantage of by giving them more responsibility without commensurate promotions or raises. This is why I am planning to leave the company soon, and have heard this from other top performers as well.

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
25 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

very supportive management and team members.

Cons

sometimes, the hours are late. But very doable.

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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