Nice place for stability not growth - Anonymous employee Crate and Barrel Employee Review

3.0
9 Sept 2009
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Overall, the store functions well with clear job definition and direction to sales, stock and office associates. It is clear that much thought has been given to operational procedures and it is a pleasant place to work if you are just looking to punch the clock.

Cons

Training and growth opportunities are severely lacking to those wanting to grow with the company. Corporate policies often govern over what is best for your location and your staff. There is an extreme disconnect between the stores and the rest of the supporting operations. Corporate has its own agenda and priorities that are not always aligned with what is important to their customers. They have not invested in the technology - POS, inventory tracking, etc. - that would be expected in such a large organization and this is a constant frustration to everyone at the store level. Also, the idea that they are "1 store" to the customer but operate as 2 separate businesses in the same building is confusing and fosters a "separate but equal" animosity.

Explore other reviews about Crate and Barrel

1.0
29 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The only saving grace is the people I've worked with . Other than that I'd leave a negative star if I could.

Cons

The CEO Janet Hayes has taken away additional employee discounts . At a certain time of the year we used to get an additional 15% off on top of our regular discounts. GONE! If an in store customer would like to have an item that ships directly from the vendor we offer free shipping . If an employee would like to do the same not only do we have to pay for shipping but our discounts can no longer be applied . How low can you go? What a great way to motivate the employees and show us all that we are just numbers and you could care less about us . This company doesn't care about it's workers and I wouldn't tell someone I don't like to work there. Every location is experiencing high turnover as management is typically incompetent and focuses on all the wrong things. Training is laughable and most designers are thrown to the wolves with high expectations after a few videos . You can not make as much as advertised so don't waste your time. Most don't stick around more than 3-6 months . You have to have open availability and they don't care if you go to church or need family time . There will be no work life balance . Constant updates are always required . What are you selling ? What are your future sales ? How many cards have you opened or how many emails can you capture? How many in home visits have you made ? Speaking of which did you know they send women to in home visits by themselves without vetting clients in the store first ? Another huge potential lawsuit on the horizon.

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