Terrible Corporate Culture - Merchandise Planner J. Crew Employee Review

2.0
Aug 20, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Great discount - Office is centrally located in NYC - Decent hours, although many people come in on the weekends during peak investment periods - Office closes at 1pm on Fridays during the summer (Memorial Day - Labor Day) and Christmas through New Years Eve

Cons

- The overall atmosphere is very immature and the only way to get ahead is to constantly compliment (or gossip with) senior managers on everything they do or wear (I was amazed to find this is true even at the director to senior VP level!). It felt like a high school. - Don't be expected to be judged by only your work, if you're not the right fit personality-wise you won't get ahead and it will take years to get promoted - Almost everyone works through lunch and eats at their desk - Very few minorities or diversity - Information told to HR is not confidential, no matter what they say, and it gets back to senior management... and then eventually the rest of the department (then everyone gossips about it) - Very few people seem happy there, almost every planner has been seen crying at their desk due to treatment/belittlement from others - Very high turnover (obviously people don't stay long) - Decisions are merchant-led and merchants will buy way over budget, which the Planner will then need to fix - The company is unorganized at all levels. Meetings never start on time and are regularly rescheduled. Good thing you came in over the weekend to prepare for it.

Explore other reviews about J. Crew

5.0
Jul 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Discount wasn't bad, my store ended up closing

Cons

Nothing atypical of a retail experience

3.0
Jul 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Discount and great entry level experience in selling and fast paced service

Cons

Sales pressure without commission and barely enough incentive for extensive work that is done. Management team is unorganized most of the time and the environment is toxic, there needs to be a shift in leadership. The lack of accountability is hardly taken into consideration and it’s unbelievable how members of management carry themselves when trying to lead by example.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All