Lack of appreciation and reward for hard work and enthusiasm - Assistant Manager Talbots Employee Review

2.0
Sep 20, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Nice, loyal clientele. Very good work hours for a retail position. There were several very professional part-time employees.

Cons

HR concerns were ignored or brushed under the rug by store and district manager. No raises for sales associates or management. Promises made by store manager and district manager that were not fulfilled. Lack of appreciation for hard work and education. Poor communication within management. Management not concerned about associate well-being and happiness, only with the bottom line. Store manager received bonuses based on SPH, so she would cut hours to the bare bones, working her assistant and co-manager with no other sales support at the end of each month because they had the highest sales. Personally, I remained physically and emotionally exhausted for the duration of my employment. Taking a legitimate sick day was very difficult to do, and there were at least 2 times I should not have come to work but did because my salaried manager was not willing to step in and help. However, she was the first to leave early on slow days. Bad behavior within management ranks was common, especially inappropriate comments and treatment of associates. These issues were never addressed and the response was always "don't cause more of a problem by bringing this to senior management".

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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