Sport Chalet Reviews

Pros

Always something to do
Great co-workers that become friends
Each dept is their own team
Able to be creative when merchandising

Cons

Part time new hires are offered low starting pay
Store management is not always on the same page
Some to no effort to keep the employee morale up

Advice to Senior Management

Acknowledge the hard work that the employees do to keep you and the store looking good. If you treat your employees with respect and show that you value them, they will work harder and have your back.

Pros

This company has decent operating hours. As opposed to other retailers, you aren't there real late at night. The employee discount is nice. It's also a nice perk to have deals from the vendors.

Cons

Not the company to work for in you are looking for career advancement. If you are looking for praise for a job well done, you won't find it here. In fact, any type of communication is like pulling teeth. This company is very poorly run. Operating systems are archaic. Product assortment in stores is terrible. Be prepared to constantly explain to customers why you don't have the item their looking for. Your job is not secure. Even if you think you are doing a good job, don't be surprised if there are conversations going on about your performance.

Advice to Senior Management

It's called progressive discipline for a reason. It's important for people to have feedback so they can have the opportunity to improve. Inconsistent discipline is a problem. Get on the same page. It is not fair to be on the same page with your leadership at store level, then to be hung out to dry when your district manager shows up. This is why employees are apprehensive. They don't have any backing from their Managers.

Pros

If you want to work at Sport Chalet because you are into a sport, then this a great job for you. The discounts are awesome! 25% off regularly priced items and if you can wait, you can order directly from the vendors giving you up to 70% off!

Cons

It is nearly impossible to move up in the company from within Sport Chalet. Even the managers are hired from the outside! It's complete BS!

Advice to Senior Management

Happy customers start with happy employees! Start treating your employees better. Corporate always has something negative to say, never positive. What is with the pay freeze? Are you serious?

Pros

Very diverse areas of product, great vendors, very transperant with company happenings.

Cons

Tough for job promotions in management unless willing to relocate to CA if you are based in another state.

Pros

Great deals on any equipment you need for your sport or activity of choice from snowboarding to team sports. Positioned in the market as a high end retailer, customers are typically loyal.

Cons

You work hard but you're not bored. There is always something to do. It can sometimes be frustrating because you feel there isn't enough help but also understandable because of a down economy

Advice to Senior Management

More definite career paths and training to those interested in advancing.

Pros

Great discount. Man, I really miss that discount....

Cons

Retail hours, folding and refolding and refolding merchandise

Pros

Pro Deals are the main reason anybody works at Sport Chalet. Another reason people work here is to stay "in touch" with a sport that they love.

Cons

You are treated like a slave, the managers have no management training and panic at everything. The company has no desire to train anybody and they expect you to dedicate your life to the company. Do not expect to be given a pay raise after 2 years there. It is cheaper for them to hire a new person and just cut your hours to nothing. They claim to be a sporting goods store but do not support their employees if they are in leagues, or even going to school. They will not work around your school schedule or league schedule. Most universities have finals the second week of March. That is when they schedule inventory and you have to go or you will be fired. The management constantly belittles the employees and are taught not to think independently. The management will take returns on anything in fear of being yelled at by corporate. The store is so packed with clothing you cannot walk through clothing pad, which means as an employee you are constantly picking up and reorganizing the clothing due to frustrated customers just shoving product anywhere.

Advice to Senior Management

Get training for the management, figure out what type of store you want to be. Are you a clothing store or a sporting goods store?

Pros

Good discounts, great flexibility, Store managers do well in offering praise and respect to associates. Other employees are always fun and friendly. Senior management is very accessible. You will enjoy working there.

Cons

Employee issues are often overloked or dismissed. Promotion above Department Head is almost impossible. Pay is below average.

Advice to Senior Management

Seek out feedback from Department Heads regarding inventory/selection. They are your front line.
Open your eyes to the politics which result in the loss of valuable employees.

Pros

Salary is the major explaination as to why I joined the team otherwise I would have worked somewhere else.

Cons

management wasn't very respectful and customers were very rude.

Advice to Senior Management

Change how business is conducted

Pros

Fun co-workers who all enjoy sports and the outdoors. Great pro deals and in-store discounts.

Cons

Corporate is constantly looking to criticize instead of encourage and rewarding hard workers.

Advice to Senior Management

Corporate should try to get to know their workers instead of looking down on them.