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Pacific Sunwear

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Great Until It Isn't - Assistant Designer Pacific Sunwear Employee Review

3.0
May 13, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Due to the fast paced nature, working here will teach you to be a quick thinker. I became a better multitasker from a result of heavy workload periods that requires efficient time management. There are a lot of opportunities to partner with designers, graphic design, buyers, technical designers, and product development. Since it is a merchant led company, you will be exposed to the business aspect of streetwear fashion.

Cons

The HQ work environment is very toxic and clique. Unless you can climb the social latter by being "likable" to their standards, it is very difficult to shine and be promoted solely by being a hard worker. During my time at this company, I witnessed many promotions of cross-functional partners who were on a personal-level close with their superiors. Employees part of the women's buying team have a higher chance of being promoted compared to the PD and design team despite it being nearly twice the size of design. It was also often rare and prolonged for a POC (person of color) employee to be promoted. Along with the severe lack of diversity across most of the departments, POC employees are more likely to receive harsher criticism, minimal support, and experience intentional exclusion from peers which affected work efficiency. Many of the other assistants and I also experienced long work days on a regular basis due to the unfair amount of work and back to back deadlines to complete while the associates and above went home early.

Explore other reviews about Pacific Sunwear

5.0
Jun 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

flexibility, accessibility, good management, lovely coworkers

Cons

no flexibility, no accountability, good scheduling

2.0
Jul 20, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

coworkers are really nice and are in the trenches with you

Cons

-Promotions appear to happen only when entire teams leave, rather than as recognition for strong performance or career growth. -Raises are essentially nonexistent, even for employees who consistently exceed expectations. -Executive bonuses seem to be prioritized while employee compensation remains stagnant, creating a perception of unequal reward distribution. -Leadership frequently asks for employee feedback on how to improve, but there is little visible action or follow-through on that feedback. -Communication feels one-sided, with employees feeling unheard despite repeated requests for input. -Limited investment in employee development and retention can make long-term career growth difficult.

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