Pros
It's a complete package. Here's a little of my background to give you scope: I worked in retail many years ago and was quite happy to leave it behind. I had managed to land a nice cushy job working for county government making pretty tidy wages and had a great medical/dental package. Then I was introduced to REI as a customer and fell in love - so much so that I quickly found myself with mounting debt. I had already looked into REI as an employer and when the cashier that was ringing up yet another purchase suggested that I work there I thought, "Why not?" So with trepidation I re-entered the retail world. I was initially concerned that I would face all the issues with dealing with the public that I had grown to despise in my previous experiences, but the customers that shop there are a whole different breed of people than I had seen before. Long story short, I worked both jobs for about 3 1/2 years and finally left my full-time job making more than twice as much money to work solely for REI. I couldn't ask for better co-workers or management staff. I have only ever once been denied a request for time off (there were several requests ahead of mine for that same time). When my father fell ill and was in the hospital in another state I was told to take whatever time I needed. It's just the whole attitude of the company, they practice what they preach and most people are there because they want to be, not just because they need a job. The benefits package is very good for the private sector. They have generous packages for compensated time off. And then there's the perks, including employee discounts on merchandise and services. There is a reason that REI had been voted one of the 100 best companies to work for for 11 straight years!!!
Cons
Even though the wages are comptetive it is still retail wages. Also the schedules aren't always regular. But, this is sometimes a benefit becuase you can hit the trails when they're less crowded during the week when everyone else is at work. It is also sometimes difficult not to buy stuff all the time.