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
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
20 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Excellent coworkers - REI does a great job of hiring enthusiastic and personable staff - Slightly better pay compared with other retail in the area - Prodeals and discounts - Flexible hours - Good (although rapidly diminishing) healthcare benefits

Cons

- Once a (better) company known for its investment in knowledgeable and friendly staff via extensive training and investment, the company has been slowly slashing away at most of what makes it special since the pandemic - Hours and benefits are worsening, proper employee training is becoming hard to come by - lots of mediocrity and sometimes questionable ethical calls made by management - Punitive disciplinary policies that seem to be designed to create higher turnover (advantageous to them given the gradual pay, benefit and policy changes)

4
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