Relaxed atmosphere collides with inefficiency and poor communication - Anonymous employee Crate and Barrel Employee Review

3.0
3 Aug 2009
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fun, hip atmosphere (or at least they try). Most upper management not on a power trip. Many people have been with the company for a long time.

Cons

Once upon a time really was a small business, most of the original people are still around in higher positions, and are trying to make it feel like a small business still... but it's not. They've turned corporate and there's likely no turning back. Pretty poor benefits, slowly getting worse. Management is frequently clueless. Poor communication between departments leads to problems. No 401k. Cafeteria going downhill! :)

Explore other reviews about Crate and Barrel

5.0
21 Jan 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The Ecomm design team is one of the best teams I've ever worked for. Excellent management, support, and real-human connection. One of the rare design teams without ego. Highly recommend to designers looking to learn from the experts.

Cons

As a Contractor, I don't have a lot of insight to the rest of the company.

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Crate and Barrel Response
4mo
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We’re so happy to hear you love Crate!
1.0
11 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The office had a good coffee machine, which employees appreciated. The cafeteria staff member was friendly and welcoming, which made the environment feel a little more positive. Opportunity to observe how long-established corporate operations function.

Cons

Management style felt very micromanaged. The management in the IT appeared heavily focused on older management methods rather than collaborative leadership. Favoritism was noticeable among certain employees and teams. Contract workers were treated differently from full-time employees, including exclusion from social events, food gatherings, and team activities. The IT teams often seemed disconnected and unwilling to support or train others properly. Communication issues were common, including employees talking negatively about coworkers behind their backs. Training and onboarding lacked structure and consistency. The workplace often felt disorganized, with unclear processes and coordination problems.

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