Pros
I work at the Sumner Distribution Center. For a warehouse it is the most relaxed and enjoyable environments I have been in. 98% of my co-workers are really cool people that are interested in the people they work with. The discounts on gear are amazing!
Cons
Very little opportunities for advancement. There are a few reasons for this. First: People love working at REI (myself included) so people don't leave. They stay in their same position for years and years leaving nowhere for the upwardly minded to go. Second: There is a lot of competent and capable competition for the rare spot that opens up. I personally have 10 years experience in management managing up to 85 employees, I have a degree in Business management and I am working an entry level position. I took the position with the hopes of quickly moving up the ranks (which has always happened in my case). I am by no means unique. There are a lot of highly experienced and educated people that took entry level positions just to get into REI with the hopes of moving up. I personally like the competition as it requires a higher level of motivation, creativity, and determination. I like the challenge. Third: The third and final reason advancement is difficult is REI hires outside the company for management positions. I have only been at REI for a year now but have found out since being here, that your best bet is to get very high levels of experience outside REI and come back in far below your capabilities. I aim for objectivity in this review but there is some bitterness in the last statement as I have seen completely qualified employees in REI (myself included) be looked over for a position just to see someone be hired from the outside. I love REI but, it is certainly frustrating for motivated people.