Toxic Management, No Freedom - Seasonal Sales Associate Crate and Barrel Employee Review

1.0
Jan 30, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Coworkers were just about the only pros, also if you like the product it can be fun to look at the stuff all day. Discount is good but goods are still overpriced.

Cons

The management was absolutely terrible, upper management has a god complex and is manipulative. The most toxic person I have ever encountered. Tries to humiliate you and make you seem inferior. Tells younger employees not to hold their hands certain ways or walk certain ways. Creates random rules about what employees can or cannot do based on their mood that day. All employees know of the issues and have complained to corporate many times but they have done nothing about it. You are expected to harass customers repeatedly and will be scolded if you don't. Even if they make it clear they want to be left alone you are expected and told to re-approach 2-3 times. At every step of the customer interaction you must up-sell and push products on people who don't need or want them. It really is a humiliating job. The only part of the job that I enjoyed is the coworkers, very kind people and always helpful. However, you aren't allowed to speak to coworkers for more than 20 seconds at a time, even if the store is practically empty and every customer has been helped. You have to watch the customer until the pick something up and offer help or show them something additional to buy. Interactions with coworkers will be broken up my management if you look a little too happy. There is no trust in employees, you must get your purse or bag checked every time you leave the back room for stolen merchandise. No freedom. You are constantly told what to do and who to talk to over the earpiece. However, if you truly form a connection with a customer and are chatting with them a little too long for management's liking, you will be told to disconnect with them and harass someone else. This company values "making connections with customers" but this only means if they are going to buy something that day. Save yourself, do not accept a job here.

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Crate and Barrel Response
7y
We have received your advice and want to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. We value all feedback and want to make ourselves available to listen to our associates. Please contact the Corporate Offices at 847-272-2888 and ask to speak to a member of the Associate Relations team.

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Pros

Flexible, nice people, supportive managers

Cons

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1.0
May 11, 2026
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Pros

The office had a good coffee machine, which employees appreciated. The cafeteria staff member was friendly and welcoming, which made the environment feel a little more positive. Opportunity to observe how long-established corporate operations function.

Cons

Management style felt very micromanaged. The management in the IT appeared heavily focused on older management methods rather than collaborative leadership. Favoritism was noticeable among certain employees and teams. Contract workers were treated differently from full-time employees, including exclusion from social events, food gatherings, and team activities. The IT teams often seemed disconnected and unwilling to support or train others properly. Communication issues were common, including employees talking negatively about coworkers behind their backs. Training and onboarding lacked structure and consistency. The workplace often felt disorganized, with unclear processes and coordination problems.

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