Exploit people's passions for free labor - Assistant Buyer Buffalo Exchange Employee Review

2.0
Nov 21, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Nice coworkers, positive environment, discounts.

Cons

Part of the position of being a clothing buyer at buffalo exchange is "shopping" weekly. This is something I was fine with when I took the job initially, thinking that I would be keeping up with trends, and shopping as regular-- maybe browsing sections i wouldnt usually browse when doing it. However, the management kept pestering me about "shopping" and it became clear that they expected employees to go to the mall weekly and spend "between one and two hours" perusing and asking questions about clothes. When i asked if i will get paid for my time management said "we used to do that, but we don't anymore". They mentioned they can't require me to do it, but they strongly encourage it. As a full time student at the time, it was near impossible to set aside that much time every week to peruse the mall for free. Eventually i was let go from the position because they "didnt think i was enthusaiastic enough about fashion". Code for not complying with their free labor expectation.

Explore other reviews about Buffalo Exchange

5.0
Jan 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

awesome training, amazing staff! lots of opportunities to grow and learn from helpful and informative staff

Cons

no cons! highly recommend this location to work at!

1.0
Jun 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

you learn a lot about clothes

Cons

literally the worst job i can possibly imagine. you’re expected to be on top of register, buying in clothes, customers stealing, dressing room, talking to the customers on the floor, counting in and out the money, etc 100% all of the time. they expect you to overextend yourself the entire shift. i have never had to be on top of so many things in my life. i have more responsibilities than the MANAGERS at my last job do for far less pay. and we are in downtown portland so we get a lot of theft and have to deescalate mental health crises constantly. every employee i’ve talked to has agreed with me that they’ve never felt like a bad employee before working here. i pride myself on being smart and helpful and quickly learning the rules of any environment im in but i’ve never felt more stupid in my life. there is literally no time to take a breath in the entire 8hr shift

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