Poor management from the top down- top management seems to have no concept of what it is like at store level and makes unrealisitic expectations of management and employees.
Inequitable amounts of inventory- why have a model number? The amount of product in store never matches the model number and furniture is rarely available.
Constantly changing departments, schematics and shops- this is a waste of employee time and company money, why not focus on selling good quality product at a reasonable price and dedicate one area of the store to seasonal shops rather than a constantly changing shop.
More and more items are "hot buys" or special purchases- in conjunction with the previous statement, there is no plan for the excess merchandise when a shop ends, if a customer wants more of a special purchase item they are out of luck.
Markdowns, sale and clearance prices inconsistent- one week people can place custom orders, the next all custom product has been discontinued and is being sent to the stores to sell for half price, this is confusing for customers and employees. Why aren't items from shops that the store will no longer be carrying marked down before the end of the shop instead of a year later? Stores would not have to carry so much dead overhead if they had better markdown policies.
Pay inconsistency- I have never recieved a raise in all the years I have been with the company, other than pay increases from promotions. Yet I know new associates are making near what I am making. There is no pay consistency at any position level at any store, why doesn't corporate set pay levels rather than leaving up to each stores GM?
GM and DM act the part but do not live up to expectations for the job.
Scheduling flexibility- hiring new employees rather than giving senior employees more hours, not being able to become a full-time employee, demotions due to limited schedule only to be replaced by someone incapable of doing the job
Lots of gossip, favortism, backstabbing and cliques.
World Market Explorer could be a good program but other than the wine good items are rarely offered and employees are constantly in fear of their jobs if they don't meet whatever percentage they want that week (20%, 25%, 30%).
