Barnes & Noble Reviews

Pros

Good place to meet people. Flexible schedule.

Cons

Low compensation for non management positions.

Pros

great environment; great co-workers; book discounts

Cons

no focus on career development

Pros

If you enjoy reading books, and income is not your number one priority, perhaps Barnes & Noble is the job for you. Most employees, during their breaks, can be found, in the break room or coffee shop, reading the latest bestsellers. Another positive thing about Barnes & Noble is the fact that they strongly adhere to the principles of non-discriminatory hiring. Lastly, they have excellent benefits. Besides medical, there is dental coverage available.

Cons

The most glaring downside is that B&N does not pay their workforce enough money. That is why there is such a large employee turnover. Most young employees learn very quickly that this is not the place where one decides to make a career.

Advice to Senior Management

Leadership should be better trained on how to delegate authority. If management is not physically at a work zone, often enough during each shift, then their mandates may become unrealistic and impractical.

Pros

Medical and dental benefits are good.

Cons

It's retail, so expect to be treated badly by customers.
Night shift duties are not fairly shared among employees. There's a select group that never seem to work nights.
There's no way to balance a personel life with scheduling.

Advice to Senior Management

We realize that it's retail and you can't pay us a living wage. But telling people that they're doing a good job and a thank you would be nice once in awhile. And just don't make stuff up at review time so you don't have to give an "exceeds standards". Just be honest, tell us that you can't give more money but that we're good workers. Employees might repect your honesty.

Pros

provides good benefits even to part timers.

Cons

book business is dying, digital is the future.

Advice to Senior Management

voice all concerns to hr immediately so it will be noted that you reported issues or concerns you msy have. Remember most states are employment at will and even though you are a solid performer if your DM wants you gone they will find a way.

Pros

-50% cafe products (except cheesecake)
-20% off CDs/DVDs
-30% off all other merch
-great about getting time off when you need it
-if you stay there long enough (2+ years) you'll get trained for other stuff
-401(k)
-health plan (kinda isn't that impressive)

Cons

Customers were the worst part of the job, people were just nasty (usually more so in the evening). Sometimes, management doesn't communicate with other managers (or booksellers), so you have to ask around to get what's going on. Also, this District is bad about promoting people within. It's nearly impossible to move up from the company. Also, if you open, you have to be there at 7AM, and if you're closing, expect to get off around 12AM. (Those are cons, depending on how early or late you like to be up). If you want to be a cashier, it's all about up selling the membership. (head cashiers have quotas). Job can also become really stressful.

Advice to Senior Management

To the corporate office, you should pay your booksellers better. They do more than what you pay them for (and put up with). Also, you should REALLY consider changing your store hours, closing until 11PM is ridiculous for a bookstore, especially when the nearby mall closes around 10. Also, should look into being able to promote talented booksellers.

Pros

Ability to share enthusiasm with customers about books

Cons

Too much emphasis placed on sales of Nook

Advice to Senior Management

Store Managers need to actively interact with people - not just store numbers. While SPH is important, customer satisfaction takes a priority if your store will ever plan to meet SPH.

Pros

- You're surrounded by books, dvds & magazines.
- Meet lots of interesting, fun and intelligent colleagues.
- If you prefer some sort of physical activity instead of a desk job that would double your butt & stomach size
- A place for bookworms and creative people to work.
- Great discounts on your favorite books and Starbucks coffee.

Cons

- Years of experience and education does not matter in promotion.
- Getting annoyed at being hinted for positions only to be given to less experienced staff.
- Pay rise is $.25...very depressing when you're thinking about retiring in this company.
- Decisions on customer service depends on manager on duty for the day and it varies leaving booksellers frustrated.
- Promotions seem to be given to how chummy you are to management rather than based on hard work or next in organizational hierarchy.
- You're no longer selling books. You're selling membership cards or Nook. Meaning it's best if you're a good salesman rather than somebody who is knowledgeable in books.
- Senior Management visits do not interact with booksellers.

Advice to Senior Management

- Visits from Senior Mgmt need to interact with booksellers to create more team cooperation and motivational boost. Start with a smile would be nice.
- Lead by example. A task should never be beneath you. This creates respect.
- A monetary bonus system should be in place to reward long time employees rather than a mere pin and a pat on the back.
- Some sort of discount should be given for buying Nook. Most of your employees are book enthusiasts and are more likely your best customers. When they have a Nook, they will be able to sell the product better too.

Pros

energized team of coworkers, incredible selection of products, educated customers

Cons

pay was depressing, 30 minute lunch break was abysmal

Pros

Co workers are smart, funny, capable and dedicated.

Cons

Store level employees are often kept in the dark about major corporate changes.