Just Another Retail Experience Like Any Other….retail worker
I had always heard that if one must work in retail, that high-end (meaning over-priced and over-marketed) retail would treat their employees a little bit better and start your pay at a little bit more decent a wage than traditional or typical retail outlets.
Partially true. Nordstrom started out being non-traditional but quickly became such a political and depressing environment that I was actually relieved when their massive after-Christmas cuts came.
Let me explain: Here I am, a former English teacher with a degree in English and years of retail experience under my belt (I mean, who hasn’t worked in retail at some point in their lives), suffering from teacher burnout. I had quit teaching and needed some form of income. Yes, I knew retail would not even approach what I’d made as a teacher unless I was in management, and even then, it would still not really approach 30 grand a year.
At any rate, I applied for positions with Nordstrom and stated the truth, no more, no less; and was subsequently hired.
Their “orientation” was a huge build-up to a new store opening. We were constantly told to be enthusiastic and see everyone else, co-workers, as a sort of extended family.
Once I was hired and began working, however, the illusion quickly faded. The department supervisor was never in our department, yet she criticized us whenever she appeared from out of her dimly-lit office. She never listened, just criticized, smiling as she spoke – like all the other managers.
It also became apparent that you had to become a “member” of the Nordstrom “family.” Meaning, that the more you socialized with managers, ran errands for them, “schmoozed” with them and attended to them, the more time you’d get with them and be seen as “family.” One co-employee was driving the supervisor to and from work, running errands for her, shopping for her, doing her work for her and working well beyond her scheduled hours -raking in more overtime pay than anyone else and getting preferential treatment that was glaringly obvious – such as lunches out with the supervisor, other managers, discounts that were unspoken, etcetera.
We’d all been hired at the same date, but it was obvious how the “pecking order” had been established within less than 90 days. When I clocked out and went home to my wife, other employees socialized with other employees, taking them out to meals, or sat and talked with the supervisor, running errands for her – if and when she showed up.
If the supervisor didn’t like you, as was the case with me; since I didn’t feel right socializing with other employees, she’d say that she had gotten complaints about you from others. She could never tell you who was complaining about you, or exactly what they’d said. She also didn’t want to hear any comments from you, as to whether or not these complaints were true or not. (I just wanted to work and go home but still was pleasant and occasionally joking with others.)
Appearance was everything at Nordstrom and you were still perceived as human trash, to be discarded at a whim, just like any other retail outlet. The difference was that at Nordstrom, they smile in your face and say “thank you,” as they establish their biases and preferences and cut backs after every sales quarter.
A typical mens dress shirt at Nordstrom is from fifty to a hundred dollars, but you pay for the overhead of the piano player and arrogant aristocracy there. Sales is always slow at a Nordstrom, but the prices are so inflated that they reap huge profits. But, if you work there, you had better kiss up to your manager and other management and take them out to eat and bring them treats as often as possible if you want to keep your job.
Am I bitter? No. Am I a little resentful? For now. They present a facade of wanting to be fair and balanced and open, which they are…to hiring minorities. When it comes to treating employees any better than any other retail chain, they’re worse because they smile as they stab you in the back and say “thank you” as they cut competent and efficient employees simply because they over-hired to meet their Christmas rush needs.
My “evaluation” lasted all of one minute. I had done a great job for Nordstrom, but had to be removed from the schedule so they could cut from every department. Nice.
I told the supervisor that I wasn’t angry and didn’t take her decision personally, because she’d never taken the time to get to know me personally unless I fed her or ran errands for her or drove her to and from the store.
Good riddance and I hope I never have to work in the demeaning field of retail again.
And why shop at Nordstrom when you can buy anything they sell at less than half the price at virtually any other retail chain? And if you want to feel fussed-over by underpaid and under-valued retail employees, get a carwash or get a dog to slobber over you.
I worked in Nordstrom Corporate (capital "C") Marketing.
I worked an average of 60 hours a week, was told that was what I needed to do to was support the floor.
I agree. I've been in marketing and advertising for a long, long time. The folks that work the floor there are hard working, have a smile on their face despite the internal politics that is so damaging and humiliating that it makes you believe that the "Nordstrom Way" is an unattainable goal to reach - like a pure heart, a place in heaven.
It's a cult(ure) like no other.
I was promoted into management because I came up with cost-saving, operation-improving solutions. Then was demeaned and demoted when I wouldn't fire an employee - oh I mean, eliminate her job due to a workforce reduction. Also, my manager told me that I wasn't "making time to meet with her." (60 hours a week, she's always booked - go figure)
Their employment practices and the HR department that "enforces" them are deplorable - and leave plenty of fodder for civil suits. (and these aren't designer suits - they are simply discriminatory practices).
Yes, they will smile in your face, and yes, Mr. Teacher and tell you they have "heard things" - perhaps you need to work harder and be more available.
I was actually told by my manager in a meeting that if I have to work 24/7 for a week to get caught up, then that's what "we" do to help out. Although that request was never made to my colleagues.
Listen folks on the floor, Corporate doesn't give a **** about you. They don't listen to the "floor", but that's where everything happens. The floor is the reason I received a paycheck.
Complain to "Mr. Pete, Mr. Blake, and heck, to Mr. Bruce". And they'll talk to "Corporate", tell them they aren't working hard enough - then Corporate managers cut department costs again - because when a manager meets her numbers, she gets bonuses.
Am I bitter? You bet, and I have every reason to be.
I was taken for granted, squeezed of every good idea and intention, then "downsized".
Everyone there is demoralized at some point. Those who stay and are there for "years" have earned their tenure either through tenacity or saying yes so often that no isn't in their vocabulary.
Remember, it is a company run by men - and a family business to boot. The top level management has jobs because of their last name. The women who have risen high in the ranks are due to either showing massive sales and growth (cosmetics), or they have priviledged positions.
To the person who has earned a week's vacation - good for you! Earning a week's vacation is a reward that only the retail industry does well. Everyone else gets two weeks after one year - USE YOUR TIME TO FIND ANOTHER JOB!
Mr. skorp: ask for promotional materials from Mr. Pete - on the other hand, you'd better go through your manager first - the open door policy isn't reality. HR makes sure that you don't rock the boat. If you go around your boss, it'll appear in your performance review: did not use GOOD JUDGEMENT AT ALL TIMES.
As for management, I find them to be sad. Nordstrom does not foster the type of work environment that encourages a family life, not to mention a social life. Too often I have seen people pick up and leave for another position in another city in a matter of days. This, friends, is not reality. How can one expect to maintain a decent credit history (having to break a lease several times), any kind of circle of friends, or a romantic relationship, especially if that person works? Insanity.
Although the city in which I live has only been exposed to the Nordstrom culture for a year now, we have seen a steady stream of employees come and go. We have a lot of recent college grads roll through looking for jobs, but realize that they are much too smart to stay. I have been here for 9 months and think I am being robbed of IQ points on a daily basis. Not only do I feel dumber everytime I go to work, I feel like I have to prove to people that I am smarter than your average bear to avoid being patronized.
I really could go on and on about unsafe working conditions that go overlooked and HR offices that are never open, but I'll just get more aggrevated until I find a paid internship.
I am, unfortunately, still employed by Nordstrom.However, after 1 1/2 years I have finally earned 40 hours of paid time off so I taking this time to find another job. This submission was right on target. I would take it a few steps further though. I couldn't care less about our department manager. She is just a glorified (?) titled servant. What is really the problem is that "The Nordstrom Way" is basically the same as Enron's. All that you do is meaningless, except for making your sales per hour. The Nord boys vote themselves huge bonus amounts, one got $925,000,000. last Sept while the 401 K plan lost money with Putnam as they were cited for fraud by the SEC.
So you see, this story is bigger then just a sales associate being abused. The entire organization is one "Good Old Boys" network of devious and manipulative people.
I hope the fellow who submitted the original complaint is doing well.
The place is run on a rumor-mill that is instigated by middle management wanna bees (wanna be upper management). They love people who want to 'look good'., people without any real substance. They also like to hire first generation non-Americans, because those people are more dependent and need their job. They are also easier to confuse and frighten with their bullying behaviors.
Nordstorm managers (HR)are very suspicious of education, too. (Ask how many middle and upper managers have been or graduated from college.) Most college graduates do not last there because they DO NOT WANT YOU TO THINK! If you think too much then you can (and will) clearly see through their smoke: example- any employee can punch in numbers on the cash register and see what sales they are doing and even what sales (and returns) that the store is doing (pull the info right off the server and is up to the very second!) YET!....pay checks are held for 5 or 6 DAYS, because of 'paperwork and banking'. Liars. It is
all drawn on a Nordstorm Bank and they get to keep the float. Think of all the employees' money held up for 10 to 12 days EVERY month ....interest free... that they get to use. They make millions and millions every year in that scam.
Also, they want your insurance, house loan, school loan, credit accounts, dental loans....etc. That way they can make money on interest, and the extra money that you will have to pay because you will be late in your re-payments (loans mentioned above) while they hold up your pay-check! What a rip-off!
These are some nasty business practices.
Nordstorm is two-faced. Don't fall for it. They are really sad. I lasted 90 days before I couldn't stand it any more. My next job was in childcare. Really a much harder job...but I loved it because the children were so refreshingly honest after the toxic atmosphere of Nordstorm.
Yes, and their products are SOOO INFLATED!!! Wal-mart products are just as good (sometimes better!) than the Nordstorm brand.
The three brothers should be ashamed of the way that they run their business.
They can do better by their employees.
And it turned my stomach that they "pimped" Christmas, without allowing us to even wish our customers "Merry Christmas". We were 'encouraged' to say "Happy Holidays". Shameful.
I don't think you will ever see that chain in the deep-south. We know carpetbaggers when we see them.
My peers:
My manager was a lying low life witch. The store manager was the type of individual who acted bubbly and nice, however she would turn into the devil at the drop of a hat. The people i worked with were all "status quo" and they would stab you in the back in a heart beat. The minorities seemed to be given special treatment!
Money:
The money sucked! 1 out of 2 customers returned their purchase and the other sales associates would steal your customers as soon as you turn your back! I am in shock at just how many college graduates waste their education on such a pitiful place.
ATTN: skorp
I would bet anything you are a follower and not a leader. Your ego gets off on having your newly acquired title of "manager." I would also bet that you take pride in getting to boss around young adults! To sum these attributes up "a typical Nordstrom Manager."
In order to get the store opened, we were working 12-14 hours per day getting the department in order. We were not allowed to take breaks or lunches unless it was "collectively" as a department, and were not allowed any drinks on the floor even though the store was not yet opened.
Once we were opened, the real drama began! People are quitting left and right in the department, others are miserable and want to quit, and others are looking for other work. Several have just walked out.......
I've enjoyed my job until recently when the drama began to effect me! My counter manager is a young ambitious little twit who seems to think she is the sh*t because she's the counter manager. She wants to be the Cosmetics Manager at some point, and is going about it by trampling on others. She blames us for things she has done, she lies about us, she makes false assumptions, she leaves messes and tells us to clean it up for her, she is rarely at the counter, but is going around the store flirting with men, and I learned recently she gabs, gabs, gabs all of this to the Cosmetics Managers who seemingly believe her and her false "nicey-nice" demeanor.
Those who are familiar with Nordstrom know we can "cross-sell". I play fair at this "game". If someone is working a counter, I escort the customer over to them and have that counter person assist them. If no one is working the counter, then, of course, I am going to assist the customer. On occasion, a loyal customer will REQUEST that I obtain other items for them from other counters. HOWEVER, some from other counters come to my counter and basically "raid" it for products when the customer has specifically asked where MY counter is located. They do not turn the customer over to me -- the person more knowledgeable about the products.
My biggest problem right now is with my counter manager and how to deal with her. Others tell me she is jealous of me because I outsell her, but I was told that the counter managers are not supposed to outsell others working the counter. I've also received the most complimentary customer comments sheets than anyone else in the department. She does NOT take this as a reflection on her, but more like a slap in HER face.
I spent over an HOUR in a meeting with her and the Cosmetics Manager over a STUPID issue that was simply a misunderstanding, but the counter manager INSISTED that I knew I was doing something "wrong". She has been angry at me for booking people for an event at another counter when we were INSTRUCTED to by management, and has not gotten over it or grasped the understanding that it did NOT interfere with our line!!!
So, please, anyone familiar with Nordstrom, especially the cosmetics department -- I am open for advice on how to deal with this person.
They recently promoted someone to be another Asst. Cosmetics Manager, and things seem to be going fine with her.
They also keep everything very "hush hush", when someone is out, is sick, has left... whatever. One girl had a BRAIN TUMOR, and they would not tell us even though she told them it was okay with her if they did.
I am tired of the MIC who decides to keep the store open "just a few minutes" more in order to make the store goal for the day (" a few minutes" translates into well over 1/2 hour). I am tired of the department managers who think they are too good, or above everyone else, to even say hello...even though you see them every single day. I am tired of all the rah-rah BS you're fed at hiring time, only to realize that none of it is true. I am tired of the kiss-asses in every department that get to spend all of their shift off the sales floor because they're too busy "discussing things" with the dept manager.
And what's this bull about 1 week vacation after 1 year? Do they really think that a measly week per year of vacation time motivates anyone? I realize that I made a mistake going into retail, taking a huge paycut. I love what I do, I just hate where I am doing it at....time to look for something else.
And, yes, I can find about 95% of the same items Nordstrom sells anywhere else for 50%...the employees at our store shop at Macy's and JC Penneys!
I was laid off from Nordstrom about a week after 9/11 on the very day I was eligible to receive health insurance from them as a full time employee.
I will never work in retail again as it's all a friggin pyramid scheme in which the corporate execs are stuffing their pockets. Commission scales are a joke at any retailer these days, they've dropped the gross margin to the basement in order to achieve greater "penetration of market share".
Retail is pathetic anymore. Don't believe the Nordstrom hype, because it's just that, hype.
I have been a Nordstrom employee for 5 years (throughout college) and I do agree with what some of you are saying, but for a college student or someone who wants to make descent money working part-time, this is an excellent job. Not only do I make more than any of my friends, I also have paid-time-off, I have also began saving for retirement with their 401k program. This company has taught me many different things, which I will be able to use in my future as a healthcare manager, and for this I am thankful. I have worked in many different companies and must say that this company is one of the best. The one thing I think makes employees uphappy is being managed by a department manager that has no people skills. I have been in my department longer than anyone and am now dealing with a backstabbing, inexperienced, jealous manager. In order for Nordstrom to survive and obtain quality employees, thay must look at who they are putting in management positions. I feel that they are so desperate at times that they are willing to promote anyone to management, just to fill the position. By doing so, they are lowering the morality of the employees. Lately I have been coming to work feeling lousy and unmotivated, this is because I have a manager who doesn't work well with others. I was nominated an All-Star this year and have been unable to maintain my quality skills due to a lack of quality management. This is unfortuante and I hope that Nordstrom will someday realize the strong skills managers must posses, before choosing who will run a department, and maybe even someday a store.
Amanda
I am new to Nordstrom working in cosmetics. I left a well-paying career (20 years) in the legal field because I was "burnt out". I have always loved cosmetics and am excellent at sales, so when the new store was opening, I jumped at the opportunity!
In order to get the store opened, we were working 12-14 hours per day getting the department in order. We were not allowed to take breaks or lunches unless it was "collectively" as a department, and were not allowed any drinks on the floor even though the store was not yet opened.
Once we were opened, the real drama began! People are quitting left and right in the department, others are miserable and want to quit, and others are looking for other work. Several have just walked out.......
I've enjoyed my job until recently when the drama began to effect me! My counter manager is a young ambitious little twit who seems to think she is the sh*t because she's the counter manager. She wants to be the Cosmetics Manager at some point, and is going about it by trampling on others. She blames us for things she has done, she lies about us, she makes false assumptions, she leaves messes and tells us to clean it up for her, she is rarely at the counter, but is going around the store flirting with men, and I learned recently she gabs, gabs, gabs all of this to the Cosmetics Managers who seemingly believe her and her false "nicey-nice" demeanor.
Those who are familiar with Nordstrom know we can "cross-sell". I play fair at this "game". If someone is working a counter, I escort the customer over to them and have that counter person assist them. If no one is working the counter, then, of course, I am going to assist the customer. On occasion, a loyal customer will REQUEST that I obtain other items for them from other counters. HOWEVER, some from other counters come to my counter and basically "raid" it for products when the customer has specifically asked where MY counter is located. They do not turn the customer over to me -- the person more knowledgeable about the products.
My biggest problem right now is with my counter manager and how to deal with her. Others tell me she is jealous of me because I outsell her, but I was told that the counter managers are not supposed to outsell others working the counter. I've also received the most complimentary customer comments sheets than anyone else in the department. She does NOT take this as a reflection on her, but more like a slap in HER face.
I spent over an HOUR in a meeting with her and the Cosmetics Manager over a STUPID issue that was simply a misunderstanding, but the counter manager INSISTED that I knew I was doing something "wrong". She has been angry at me for booking people for an event at another counter when we were INSTRUCTED to by management, and has not gotten over it or grasped the understanding that it did NOT interfere with our line!!!
So, please, anyone familiar with Nordstrom, especially the cosmetics department -- I am open for advice on how to deal with this person.
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