Management is very aware of what the company is - a cheap, low quality hardware store
Pros
In both the sales associate and warehouse position, managers were lenient and simply encouraged employees to provide good customer service and meet deadlines. Laid back atmosphere but also good training on products provided by store managers.
Cons
Customers have a high potential to be rude, upset people. Those that shop at HF are only looking for inexpensive, "one time use" tools. They are usually cheap and low class, so if you aren't used to interacting with such people then it will take some time to adjust. Lots of theft from customers, but employees cannot engage themselves with a shoplifter. This results in employees being punished for store shrinkage, without the absolute list to do anything about it. (Personal experience) - Managers, even regional managers, are non college-educated, difficult to speak to, and give off a vibe of general sleazyness. Lots of swearing and poor grammar in their memos. It just reeks of poor management and a lack of caring of who is promoted to what position.
