The Dillard Family needs to turn over the reigns to others more competent to run the business. Th
Pros
Pay for associates is higher than other department stores. Good employee discounts. Good for short term or part time employment. Generally the associates give great customer service.
Cons
Very poor upper managment. Buyers are not buying the right type or quality of merchandise. Not in the 21st century as far as technology. The sales per hour goals are too high and can result in pay cuts for associates which is discouraging and demoralizing. These goals also promote a competitive rather than a team environment. The Dillard family is out of touch with what really goes on in their stores and they are very resistant to any change or outside advice. The Area Sales Managers do not have enough control over their departments in terms of type and amount of merchandise that comes in. They are also handicapped by the high turnover of staff and constant moving of staff from one department to another. The way that stock comes into the stores creates a messy and disorganized sales floor not conducive to a good customer experience and time spent on opening and putting away stock by the associates takes away from their ability to best serve the customer. Upper management has no respect for employees at the associate level and very little respect for store management. When upper management or the Dillards themselves visit a store, managers are told to say only positive things and to never tell them anything negative. The store are prepped for the visits in such a way that they are never seen as they really are on a day to day basis, such as when stock comes in or markdowns are going on, so that old outdated practices in these area are not seen as the negative that they really are. I left Dillard's because I worked harder than I have at anyother job and was constantly frustrated at the lack of support, lack of appreciation, no bonuses and the constant stress. I just got burned out.
