Admirable company, but the politics wear on you - Front End Developer REI Employee Review

3.0
20 Oct 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

* If you're into the outdoors, ProDeals are incredible (and dangerous) * You will have coworkers who like to do anything you could possibly be into * The commitment to the mission is legit * Enterprising people can have success shaping their experience * Pay is okay, and the Summit bonus can be good, but benefits (especially the 401k matching) are great

Cons

* Politics is the name of the game in the e-commerce division: everything is a territorial battle, and it can be exhausting if you're invested * There are some really crusty legacy core systems that are untouchable because replacing them is not a business priority

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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