Don't expect to build a career within the company. - Sales Associate Talbots Employee Review

2.0
Jan 29, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

*50% Associate Merchandise discount with special 60% discount promotions on new merchandise *Flexible schedule *Decent hourly pay *Appealing store environment *Ability to interact with people (the customers), lightly physical work, not sitting at a desk

Cons

*Little to no opportunity for advancement or promotion *Senior management has the "what have you done for me lately" attitude *Outside candidates favored over promoting from within *Long-time customers dissatisfied with changes to product assortment and sales policy *Company has forgotten what makes Talbots "Talbots" *Employees are stressed at all levels due to increase pressure from above

Explore other reviews about Talbots

5.0
Jul 13, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Really nice working environment here

Cons

None, haven’t gotten the job yet

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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