Got self-respect? Then don't work here. - Content Writer Urban Outfitters Employee Review

1.0
Jan 23, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Dogs at work. Walks along river.

Cons

Similarly to the only pro: woof. I am laughing as I write this because of how utterly ridiculous this place is. Not to knock working at the stores—I have heard good things about the teams there. But if you're trying to go to the Navy Yard and make something of yourself or feel good about your career or be respected and treated fairly and valued and recognized for your talent... think again. Between FP, UO and Anthro, I wasted 4 years of my professional life here. They're manipulative; they lie to you about being promoted to get you to stay, then finally promote you with a measly 10% bump which, if you started at a standard living wage in Philadelphia is standard, but you're not. They start you as low as the possibly can, which may be industry standard for some jobs. Mine was when I started. But the maximum raise WITHOUT a promotion is 3%. So. You get a maybe $200 EOY bonus. Horrible 401k match. They do not value or respect employees. They will work you into the ground until you feel worthless and then kick you while you're down some more and make you feel like it's normal to work 60+hrs a week for barely a living wage. Like you should be thankful you even have a job. This is not just my experience; it's well-known. But employees put up with it because they want to work in fashion/lifestyle and because it seems "cool." The alternative is retail or restaurants. And truth be told, I considered returning to the latter and multiple points during my "career" at URBN. Don't get me wrong... they have money to spend on employees. It's all just tied up in the Directors and above who they bring in from NY or LA to eat up the budget with hefty salaries. And good for them! But where the money stops, so does the respect. Mid-entry level employees are treated unfairly and poorly. Their made to feel like their ideas don't matter. I went to my manager with an issue and she said "It is what it is." Is that the type of environment you want to be in? One that doesn't question its corporate practices or engage with its employees to see how they could make working there better? I didn't. I left and within 3 months at my new job was promoted. I doubled my salary. I have flexible work hours. I'm respected and valued. All within the Philadelphia region. THERE IS LIFE OUTSIDE URBN. And if you're talented, smart, respectful and nice, I encourage you, no, implore you to look elsewhere. This company stole 4 years of my life and made me feel worthless. I'm not worthless and neither are you.

Explore other reviews about Urban Outfitters

5.0
Jun 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Loved working in the middle of campus, meet lots of fun people

Cons

Can be boring at times working retail, repetitive but have to be busy.

2.0
Jul 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Somewhat flexible scheduling. Bonuses if your store exceeds monthly goals. Employee discount for other URBN brands.

Cons

Lack of work-life balance. Salaried managers are often expected and obligated to conduct work that surpasses the 40 hour work week. Overtime is not offered for salaried store managers. Salary increases and internal mobility are very limited. The company claims they are under tight budgets, yet they are making record profits and spending money on unnecessary expenses. The only way to increase salary is to move to higher-volume locations, which are limited due to availability. A lot of other store managers have been in their same positions for 10+ years and have remained at the same title. Company directive is constantly changing with little to no support. Store managers are expected to cover the slack when resources are minimal. Physical deterioration is common for management. The job requires a lot of physical exertion. Higher ups expect displays to be conducted on a store-level, which includes moving heavy objects and operating power tools. Even if you are not trained, you are expected to learn as you go or “phone a friend” for help. “The customer is always right” mentality supersedes company policy, which leads to friction within team members and the client. Mental stress from dealing with disgruntled customers is common due to this.

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