Where do I start? Compensation in the large cities (i.e. San Francisco and Seattle) is not up to market rates at all, and when HR is told this they just kind of shrug it off.
All Upper Management positions are hired from outside the company instead of by promoting within. It is very difficult to get promoted or get a raise once you've been hired.
The HQ doesn't have a clue what's going on in any stores or departments that aren't close by. They send representatives to "drop by", but those reps always email ahead of time to say they are coming. What's the point in that? Of course everyone is going to follow the rules when someone important is coming!
They have an "anonymous" tip line for making complaints regarding compliance or HR issues. This line is not anonymous. They will know it's you.
The training provided for anyone other than a Universal Associate is terrible. The UA's receive extensive training, but any other position's training is left to the manager of the department, and most of the time you just have to "figure it out".
The company is also very reliant on personal relationships, as other reviewers have said. Promotions are more or less a popularity contest if they aren't filled by external candidates. The company is also quick to fire people without thorough investigation or disciplinary action. I've seen this happen a few times. No write-ups or coaching done, just fired. If your manager doesn't like you, watch out. The company will take any he said-she said issue as an ok excuse to fire someone.
