Sales Associate - Sales Associate Talbots Employee Review

2.0
Nov 7, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The customers can be awesome...some have become friends, in fact!

Cons

The overall quality of the materials has been debased over the years. Modal is a terrible fabric and doesn't hold up well. Sometimes, clothes look 5 years old after having washed them just a few times. Instead of giving the sales associates bonuses for their hard work, low pay, and lack of insurance benefits, Talbots has begun to offer "Team Rewards," meaning sales associates are expected to raise the bar on sales and sell Talbots Credit Cards in exchange for making store goals. Problem is, only the managers, asst managers, key holders, and client specialists reap the real benefits of this awards programs. It's laughable when Managers post "Save up for your trips!" in the morning roster. If we meet the target goal, client specialists and up receive 500 points. Sales associates get 10...or maybe 50. Plus the client specialists make a mess of the floor while catering to clients, leave the fitting rooms a mess, etc. expecting sales associates to clean up after them. Where's the "TEAM" in that???

Explore other reviews about Talbots

5.0
May 12, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Team was so supportive and kind - Taught me lots of valuable industry experience

Cons

I have no cons to mention

1.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

None. This company is garbage compared to how it used to be.

Cons

Slave wages, not enough hours for anyone except management because the private equity company that owns us has cut our staff to a skeleton crew even on busy days. Management and associate alike are stretched super thin to the point of exhaustion. Even as a sales associate, there was a time I supported myself on a Talbots salary. Now I have to choose between paying my car insurance or getting an oil change. I used to get 30+ hours a week even as a sales associate. Now I'm lucky if I get 20. Health benefits are a rip-off. The company in my observation has had a time finding and maintaining good workers. If you value your livelihood, run fast and run far.

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