The Peter Principle is in effect - Anonymous employee REI Employee Review

2.0
30 Apr 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Most of your peers, especially at the individual contributor level are great people to work with. There are a lot of experts in their fields who have chosen to work at REI, so you can learn a lot if you are coming from a less sophisticated company. The co-op still has worthwhile values that are unique in business, especially in a retail environment. It's easy to have pride in what REI publicly stands for.

Cons

In most departments the majority of leaders are recently promoted, either from within or hired from the outside and given a big promotion in the process. Unfortunately, most of these "leaders" have clearly risen to the level of their incompetence. Their performance typically ranges from good/acceptable to shockingly terrible and in most cases it's the latter. Micromanagement is rampant and amateurish VP's don't trust the experts on their teams. Morale is tanking as a result and a number of the most talented employees have recently defected or been let go.

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
16 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

People and incredible work culture. REI truly walks the walk when it comes to company culture. Significant amount of focus on people and values in a genuine way. Exceptional benefits and pay. Making medical coverage available for all employees part time and full time.

Cons

Not many negatives to share.

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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