Love my team mates, don't like the sales pressure - Merchandising Associate Crate and Barrel Employee Review

3.0
Feb 5, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Some great people to work with, both veterans and newbies, who truly enjoy each other's company and have fun together.

Cons

New Area Manager has led to 100% new sales management team, which have adopted her micromanaging style. Constantly rehashing numbers from weekly reports does not make people better at upselling and promoting the credit card, and drives away junior managers because of high school-like interrogation of last week/month/quarter's performance in every department. In the big picture, great initiative in new digital markets and services, but all at the expense of in-store operations. Running out of space for hundreds of new SKUs every season, more and more complex furniture options that confuse customers and sales associates, and continually racing to the bottom with more cheaply-made goods to appeal to every single potential customer. Customers often comment on how Crate "used to be classy", but is way different now.

avatar
Crate and Barrel Response
7y
​Thank you for taking the time to discuss your experiences. We welcome an opportunity to discuss your experiences with you. Please contact our corporate offices at 847-272-2888 and ask to speak to a member of the Associate Relations team where we can find out more details and follow up with the appropriate senior level management. ​

Explore other reviews about Crate and Barrel

5.0
Apr 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexible, nice people, supportive managers

Cons

Can’t think of any cons

1.0
May 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

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.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All