Not sure if it's better to be a customer or an employee at J. Crew.
Pros
1) generous discount 2) always something to be working on/productive atmosphere 3) freedom to do what's best for the customer (accepting returns, applying discounts, etc.) 4) overall professional work environment 5) if mgmt likes you, they schedule you 6) pretty store, merchandise, visuals 7) new dayforce scheduling service (can check schedule on iPhone, change availability, etc.)
Cons
1) employees are treated like second class customers, and this delays associates from purchasing J. Crew goods a) discount makes it more convenient for associates to buy sale items (easy 50% off) over new goods (30% off if not excluded or on the 60% off list) b) after discount, merchandise is often still too pricey for associates c) associates own goods log (you must log in and wait for a manager to sign off on all of your J. Crew belongings on your way in and out (adds to time off the clock) d) dress code contradicts the style guide (must wear blazer if wearing jeans, cannot wear athletic shoes despite selling Jack Purcell & New Balance sneakers) 2) sometimes managers get short with employees 3) return policy tends to only help the fussy customers 4) like most retail, high turnover and busy store atmosphere leads to lack of training early on 5) Very Personal Stylists get into cat fights 6) busy/productive atmosphere makes work seem fulfilling for me, but leads to an inferior experience for the customer because everyone always has something else they need to do 7) poor signage for "final sale" and "discount excluded" items lead to longer transactions at the cash wrap
