Crate and Barrel reviews

3.0

41% would recommend to a friend

(2,488 total reviews)

Janet Hayes

36% approve of CEO

29% positive business outlook

Crate and Barrel has an employee rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars, based on 2,488 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average working experience there. The Crate and Barrel employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Ventas al mayoreo y al menudeo industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

2K reviews
3.0
Sep 9, 2009

Nice place for stability not growth

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Overall, the store functions well with clear job definition and direction to sales, stock and office associates. It is clear that much thought has been given to operational procedures and it is a pleasant place to work if you are just looking to punch the clock.

Cons

Training and growth opportunities are severely lacking to those wanting to grow with the company. Corporate policies often govern over what is best for your location and your staff. There is an extreme disconnect between the stores and the rest of the supporting operations. Corporate has its own agenda and priorities that are not always aligned with what is important to their customers. They have not invested in the technology - POS, inventory tracking, etc. - that would be expected in such a large organization and this is a constant frustration to everyone at the store level. Also, the idea that they are "1 store" to the customer but operate as 2 separate businesses in the same building is confusing and fosters a "separate but equal" animosity.

2.0
Aug 31, 2009

Smoke and Mirrors

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Stores have a nice atmosphere with a clean, creative environment. Crate offers an individual with tenacity the opportunity to learn through osmosis the Housewares and Furniture retail business.

Cons

The company has poor communication between upper managers, middle management and sales staff. Business decisions seem to vacillate monthly. Outside/prior business/retail experience is not valued. Employees need to do it the 'Crate' way or else. Opinions and fresh ideas are frowned upon. Staff is overworked and under compensated.

3.0
Aug 13, 2009

Could be better

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Has a great benefits package for full time with no fee increases until just recently. The team you work with becomes like friends/family-mostly very nice people who are very fun to work with.

Cons

It is very disheartening to work so hard, care so much, give up any kind of normal personal life, to be taken for granted. Senior management creates drama where there usually is none. If you are looking for kudos, this is not the job for you. However, criticism comes too quickly. Many talented people are lost b/c the only way is the Crate way.

Viewing 2464 - 2466 of 2,488 Reviews

Glassdoor has 2,614 Crate and Barrel reviews submitted anonymously by Crate and Barrel employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Crate and Barrel is right for you.