Brand Eroding under inept leadership - Marketing REI Employee Review

2.0
2 Feb 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The parts of the business that are outreach to under-represented communities are legit, with dedicated folks working within the corporate 'crazy' to try to help people. And employees yearn to tell legitimate stories of the real people in the outdoors. But if it doesn't sell the latest widget that the merchants have decided to buy a lot of... forget about it.

Cons

Hearing leadership blather on in corporate speak and posture for their own advancement and the advancement of others like them has gutted what was once an honest force for good in the outdoors. True leadership and diversity would be welcoming others for their value as individuals and what they accomplish. REI took on "Kaizen" principles a few years back to try to iterate toward a better future. The leadership I had willfully skipped one of the most important aspects: Going to the place where work is actually done, to understand the needs of the employees and their work. Kaizen is just another failed corporate policy that management would like to forget so they can politic and climb the ladder. Gone is Radical Candor too,,, that will get you fired or laid off... etc etc

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

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All