Once upon a time....it was great. - Store Management Talbots Employee Review

2.0
Aug 28, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Most co-workers were great. Many managers would work together to create a nice environment. Sales associates generally were nice and helpful to co-workers and customers.

Cons

DM would tell half-truths, if not blatant lies, to motivate managers. Assistant managers were "encouraged" to work 5-10 hours overtime per week because it's cheeper to pay 1/2 time overtime than to pay an associate their regular pay. In 12 years I probably was able to use 4 of my 60 personal/sick days. After the last one I took, I was required to bring in a doctor's note. My manager felt it was too vague and asked to see my urgent care paperwork. She found my personal medical issue amusing and shared it with half of the store's staff. For years was degraded and made to feel worthless. I was expected to create fashion parties by inviting wealthy groups of women from social groups or county clubs. Because that was not my socio-economic status I was made to feel inferior. My husband was not a doctor or an attorney, like my co-workers' spouses. Things may have changed since I have been gone. I know 2 of the 3 members of management who made going to work hell have been let go. The third left on her own.

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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