Ann Taylor Reviews

Pros

The people,the clothes,accessories,and we have a really nice and loyal clientele.We have fun in our store.

Cons

What is most disappointing is how Upper Mgmt consistently fails to promote hard working managers and continues hiring externally.They are sending a bad message to their workforce.Communication needs to improve.They send mixed signals.Work hard and chances are you might not get that promotion.They think by hiring on the outside these SM "s are the answer.Wrong.....7/10 they lack talent and end up leaving anyway.What a shame!

Pros

Great pay for retail, very understanding in terms of work/life balance (i.e. school schedules), frequent clientele that you can build relationships with. Also, I happen to have an amazing manager who is understanding and committed to my developement.

Cons

CREDIT, which is the most disturbing thing to push. The "in, on, at" method which they want you to push the card 3 times to a client turns people off and negates any good interaction you had with the client.
Also, the hours can be pathetic. If you're not full time(manager or co) don't be surprised if you find yourself working 3-9 hours a week.

Advice to Senior Management

Focus on developing talent within the store, and give hardworking employees more hours!

Pros

Support from store manager level if manager likes you
Usually has great team of people
Fun environment and sales floor

Cons

Corp. offices are constantly changing things on you at the retail level, there is never any recognition as to the economy being in the state it is, the constant pressure to make sales goals is never a reflection people cutting back and not spending money, it's always that we as sales associates are selling hard enough.
Store set and window displays are totally and completely un realistic, the guidelines they send to complete window displays are so impossible it's as off they didnt even test them!

Advice to Senior Management

Adviice to senior management would be to stop reacting to low numbers and go for a more long term solution to drive up sales, such as a better designer!!

Pros

Exciting environment
Great benefits
If you love to challenge yourself, this is a great company to work for!

Cons

Payroll funding is tight for task related workloads
Overall, it is a great place to work.

Pros

-Company as a whole recognizes the importance of a healthy balance between work and family and encourages growth within the company
-Tools for continued learning readily available
-Respectable, genuine senior management always striving for improvements in motivating and retaining good employees
-CEOs encourage behaviors throughout the company that increase employee moral by allowing opportunities for growth and positive work environment

Cons

From store operation level:
-Disrespectful, management lacking good communication skills
-High turnover rate due to disrespect from Management
-Frustration due to management ignoring unprofessional behaviors not addressing obvious reasons for high turnover

Advice to Senior Management

It seems that corporate level portrays Ann Taylor to be concerned about the morale of the employees. However the feeling lower level employees experience is that they aren't important, and seen as "disposable" or replaceable. Offer quarterly surveys giving opportunity to receive authentic feedback to corporate and to those who care.

Pros

What they give back to the community and charities

Cons

amount of available job opportunities

Advice to Senior Management

the stores and online should offer the same discounts

Pros

The team I work with!

Cons

Changes of promotions constant last min changes.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep up the great work!

Pros

Ann had a viriety of hours and shifts to chose from.

Cons

There was a lot of pressure to work a lot more hours. If that's what you're looking for great!! I had two small children at the time and as a result a not so flexible schedule.

Advice to Senior Management

A great team of managers that work very well together.

Pros

50% discount, employee discounts even on clearance items, nice co-workers

Cons

poor management and leadership skills

Pros

I like the discount but get upset sometimes when the customer gets a better one than the employees.

Cons

? - Did anyone get a Christmas Bonus from Ann Taylor? I think management lies to associates and should be honest. Pay is not comparable to other companies.

Advice to Senior Management

Corporate should review the management staff and ask why so many people quit after a short time - it seems they'll find out it was the managers that caused their leaving.