Poorly executed intro to Canada - Anonymous employee Nordstrom Employee Review

1.0
Mar 30, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The initial training received was probably some of the most in-depth and thorough training I have/ will ever get from an employer. They definitely allow you to make decisions and it is an incredible learning experience.

Cons

Unfortunately, Nordstrom has created a "kill or be killed" mentality with their management. Speaking as a former manager, I can tell you that in theory, they have wonderful company morals however they seldom, if ever, practice what they preach. They encourage you to use fear tactics to manage your teams, which is a result of a trickle down effect because that is how they manage their managers. They insist that they promote from within and look out for their people but that is the farthest thing from the truth. They have unknowingly created a culture where they fire whoever, whenever, without even the slightest of acknowledgement that a person was even there before and this has- as a result instilled a culture where managers won't leave on time in fear of a 9 hour day being perceived as "slacking". You never know where you stand with your store manager and their opinion of you can change without reason at the drop of a hat. I have managed in quite a few high volume, high sales target environments and I have never been in such a toxic and unhealthy environment in my life as I was at Nordstrom.

Explore other reviews about Nordstrom

5.0
Jun 6, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Was like working with family

Cons

See the pros as it can also be a con.

2.0
Jun 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Decent base pay, somewhat autonomous, great tip potential.

Cons

The company has changed for the worse since COVID. When I came back the mood of the entire store had shifted. Gone were the days of comradery, customer focus, and taking pride in a job well done. In its place there is a new culture of cutthroat sales, a severe decline in customer focus, and worst of all a new focus on profit over customer satisfaction. When I was told that the amount the store charged for a shoe shine was not enough to do the best job I could for a customer I knew things had gone downhill for the company. Not to mention I watch a manager prey on a mentally disabled person in order to secure a sale, when the person could not understand what was being offered. Sad that such a once great company is now just another greed ridden corporation.

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