An expensive place to work - Sales Lead Ann Taylor Employee Review

3.0
Oct 1, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The pay is high for retail; they start associates at higher than the minimum wage. The employee discount is 50% and every quarter you get select items at 75% off. Lots of payroll for tasking hours; all shipment processing takes place in the back and all floorset is off-hours. All of management gets their own email address and they prefer to promote from within.

Cons

Dress code- While they don't say you have to wear their clothes it is heavily implied that you do. It is very strict in that you can't even wear a color that is not in the floorset. Most of the coaching of associates at my store involved the dress code, and you basically had to update your entire wardrobe every month in order to be compliant. Maybe you could just wear all black all the time, in classic trousers and skirts? Nope, you were also graded on how stylish and how close your outfits compared to the floorset; they banned black flats. Client Books- If that is what you are into, then it can be fun to build a clientele. However, it is REQUIRED that you do so even though you don't make commission on any of the sales. Many associates only worked two days a week but were reprimanded for not having enough clients or appointments scheduled. The company relies heavily on store employees to generate their own traffic and blames it on their clienteling if the store underperforms. Events- While they technically are not required, it's heavily implied that they are. Upper management expects associates and managers to find local people with money to have shopping parties, or hold "events" to get people to come in and shop. While on the surface it sounds fun and easy, it's not. While I was there I didn't hear of any stores who held events of serious financial weight; no one wants to be cold-called by a store in the mall. Adult Brats- The clientele consists of entitled white people who treat you like dirt and love to argue about returns and getting discounts. Seriously I have never in my life encountered so many bratty women it was insane.

Explore other reviews about Ann Taylor

5.0
May 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Easy and chill work, great customers, easy shipment, easy merching

Cons

Payroll is never enough for proper coverage. Never enough sizes sent and low pay for team members

3.0
May 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good entry-level retail job, especially for beginners. The work environment is generally positive, and scheduling can be flexible depending on store needs. It’s a solid place to gain retail experience, especially if you’re new to it. Employee discount is 75% in-store and 50% online, except for clearance.

Cons

Upper management tends to overlook smaller store issues, which may later develop into larger problems if not addressed early. There's also a strong customer-first approach that sometimes feels one-sided, in which difficult customers are often accommodated even when they're in the wrong. This can occasionally be frustrating for employees trying to enforce store policies. But hey, that's hospitality. It's still a good place nonetheless because of the store team.

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