Poor training of new associates, inadequate training for managers brought in from outside the company, managers promoted despite lack of preparedness for actual new position, accountability standards not consistent throughout the store, and often a lack of consequences for "certain" associates. The attention to high customer service standards that were a hallmark for Crate and Barrel has shifted to email and phone capture, procurement of credit cards, and heightened awareness of sales numbers for associates. All of the aforementioned have contributed to less than optimal associate morale and functioning as a team and a less customer centered experience.