Senior Designer - Senior Designer Urban Outfitters Employee Review

4.0
Jul 12, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Beautiful corporate campus located four miles from Center City Philadelphia. A rich and immersive company culture that identifies strongly with the UO customer. Entrepreneurial spired is valued and rewarded within the company. There are many opportunities for lateral movement within the brand and the URBN Inc. organization. Casual work environment with an official "Bring Your Dog to Work" policy. The most creative position in the company is store design/display, which is really what separates the brand from it's competition. Open to differing points of view.

Cons

The strong company/brand culture can be a negative if it doesn't fit your personal style/outlook. The company is adding layers and structure as it grows which tends to work agains the core entrepreneurial values. Long standing employees that have transitioned to management roles aren't well supported in the change from "doer" to "manager". There is not a traditional HR department which can make it difficult to navigate and resolve issues with other co-workers or bosses/managers. The focus on internal promotion (from stores) and keeping operation costs low means that some of you co-workers could be a bit inexperienced for their position. Also not competitive from a pay standpoint and relocating to Philadelphia (mainly from NYC and LA) can be difficult for some. Both of these points tend to contribute to a high turn over rate for many areas.

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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