Work here if you really don’t need the money but like the clothes - Retail Sales Associate Talbots Employee Review

3.0
Sep 24, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

New clothing comes out every month and that’s when you get 60% off full price of item over several weeks. Normal everyday discount off full price and sale is 50% off. There is no limit to what you can purchase for yourself. Discounts do not apply to full price name brands sold such as Keds, Spanx, etc. Social environment, Usually nice colleagues and customers.

Cons

The hourly wage is minimum wage unless you literally have a fashion background, then you may get a dollar an hour more. Seriously! Raises are few and amount to cents on the dollar. I’ve been there over 5 years and the only way you’ll make a substantial amount more is if your state raises the minimum wage. I even moved to Client Specialist Position and didn’t get a raise. Some colleagues can be nasty and if you get stuck working with them, put on your happy face and go with the flow. They will not be reprimanded and you will still have to work with them regardless. Customers can be disgruntled, confused and abusive and there’s no recourse. You just have to smile and be nice.

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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