sales associate

stylist

retail sales associate

assistant manager

stocking associate

Banana Republic

Banana Republic was my first job, and after a year of job hopping, I'm happy to say I'm returning here. From working at other establishments, I learned that Banana Republic is a great retail store to work for. 

Pros
- Coworkers and management are nice to work with
- The company's systems are understandable and efficient
- You do not have to promote their credit card like a salesperson trying to sell a car
- When taking time off or trying to get your shifts covered, the store manager will handle it. You have an app that tells you your schedule and shifts that need to be covered. All I ever had to do to get a day off was post it and tell my manager, and she would work with the other employees to get it covered. As someone who covered others' shifts multiple times, the store manager is likely to text you asking if you would like to cover the shift and never argue when you say no. 
- For a retail store, the schedule is pretty flexible. After working at my location for only 2 months, I asked for 2 weeks off to go to Montana as a personal trip, and my manager worked hard to make sure everything could work out, which it did. Additionally, this was during Christmas. 

Cons: 
- I will acknowledge that my positive experience is heavily based on my manager being kind and good at her job. So some of my pros may not apply to other locations with managers who are not as great. 
- It is retail which means it can be very boring at times, and work can lag! 
- Though you do not have to promote any credit heavily, there are company competitions sometimes, and people can earn cash or other prizes if they earn a certain amount of store credit. This system is nice to encourage people to promote credit while not making them feel annoyed to promote it. Conversely, typically only people who have been with the company for awhile work at the registers because that is where you pick up the phone and handle the most problems, so you may not be given a fair chance to compete if you're new. 

Other notes
- One fun thing about starting your job at Banana Republic is they have you try on multiple of their clothing items, so you have an idea of how most things feel and fit. This way, you can help people better. In my experience, it only helped me once, but getting paid to try on a bunch of clothes was fun. 
- If you are working at the registers, you can do merchandising in the areas close to the register or work on go-backs.  The registers can be boring to work at when the store is slow. 
- If you are working in the dressing rooms, it can be very social. You open dressing rooms for people by writing their names on a whiteboard at the door. You have to make sure people aren't carrying too many clothing items and offer to take what they are holding into their changing room. When they are in it, you are supposed to check on them often especially asking if they need another size in something. Typically they will hand you what clothing item they want in a different size immediately. You have to clean out the dressing rooms when people are done if they don't bring their own clothes to the go-back section. You work on putting go-backs away as well. This position was my favorite because it is busier than the registers, and you don't get bored as fast. Typically 1-2 other coworkers help you in the dressing rooms, so you don't get stressed often either. 
-The stock room is very clean and organized, so working with shipments or getting something from the back is never really a headache. 
- Unloading shipment is a fun task, in my opinion, but you have to wake up early (shift starts at 7am), and sometimes your neck will hurt if you're tall like me and have to hunch at their tables for so long. 
- Your employee discount is 50% off of full-priced items, but don't be fooled some of their clothing items are $500. You also get an additional employee discount on top of the store's current discount.

This company has the potential for greatness. However, the management that has been allowed and entrusted to lead the store to greatness with their own actions and implementations, while also hiring the appropriate staff, setting a high example for the staff, and training that staff to top quality are failing at their job. It infuriates me to put my whole self into a company and work hard, just to see lazy managers, who don't care about anything but being able to control and get their paycheck, being insufficient leaders and role models to those that really need it, the employees. Especially when this store has been suffering to make it's goals. There isn't enough in depth training and explanation behind what the store really needs and what they should expect out of you. Everything seems laid back and not very serious until a busier day rolls around and the managers are freaking out at everyone, rudely, while not giving any real solutions, training, or explanation behind anything. I, myself, worked hard and if I'm going to get up daily and go to work for a company, you better believe I'm doing all I can and putting all of myself into that work. I was surprised and constantly irritated to see the inexperience and lack of drive in most of the employees they hired. I could go on and on. Don't get me wrong, the place definitely has potential, but don't go working here and expecting to be recognized and rewarded for anything, or to move up at any point, unless you're very petite and beautiful. If you have a lot of drive, that most likely won't be enough to have you be considered as an asset. Very upsetting. Hopefully they can get the proper staff, managers, training, and attitude to thrive and help their employees thrive as well. So far, this store does not.

In a typical day at work, clients would filter in and out of the store and as a sales associate it was my responsibility to greet and and inform customers of the daily sales and new product arrivals, identify their needs/wants and apply my product knowledge to find what items best satisfied each customer.  Being aware of the daily sales and Banana Republic Card goals, I would always try to up-sale in a non-invasive manner and have the customer's best interest in mind by helping them find products that suited their budget and offer them the Banana Republic Card to save them money and generate repeat business for the company.
The management at Banana Republic was always very helpful and friendly.  When you needed assistance with a client they were always there to offer advice and a hand.  When the store was busy, it was all about team work between management and co-workers. Co-workers were either sales associates, cashiers, greeters, fitting room attendants, or stock room attendants. Each job's function helped the store run efficiently with their individual tasks.
The most challenging part of the job was coincidentally the most enjoyable part of the job; managing multiple clients at once while still providing the company's service quality standard.  When the store was busy, you had to operate on a touch and go system so you would never neglect other clients you were busy with.  For example, if you needed to grab additional sizes for your client in the fitting room, you could also show another client in the style room some additional accessories to accompany the pants and shirt she had picked.  Helping customers define their personal styles and feel comfortable in current fashions by applying fit and style knowledge was also an enjoyable experience considering my background in fashion.

I had originally applied as a restock associate. Apparently on my first day they lied and threw me in the sales floors. You pretty much have to make your own money. Meaning you have to lure people into buying banana cards and also into buying something else besides what they went to get. That is how you make money. If you don't sell stuff to people then you slowly get fired. It can be stressful because they keep track of what you sell and also the locals that shop have their favorites who they go to making new employees hard to stay at that job. It revolves around favoritism. Going on your shift the leader will show you how much the store made that day so far and how much it needs to make by the end of the night and how much you need to sell by the end of your shift (already making it stressful as it is) One day on a 4 hour shift they wanted me to sell at past 1,200 dollars worth of clothes on a Wednesday. I barely was able to go at 100 dollars because it was so dead and everything was 50% off so they told me i had to leave a hour earlier. Its not the best retail there is and the brand is dying. A lot of stores are closing and many of them are doing tactics where they want you to lure people in to buy more stuff or rewards cards. Other than that on slow days it can be relaxing. Replenishing items to the salesfloor and pretty much fixing stuff around. I sometimes pretended to be busy because of how dead it was at times. Sure Saturday and Sundays people came in but it wasnt a big traffic like other retails. But because you have to speak to customers and lure them in it felt very stressful to even speak to them and intimidating especially when the manager is there looking at you. Its a okay season gig. Nothing to stay at though

When I began at Banana Republic, I was a part time cash/sales associate that had little experience in retail. With the excellent training that I received from management, I was well on my way to becoming a "seasoned pro" who truly loved her job. I worked the cash register; this meant that on top of my normal sales and upkeep duties, I processed sales and returns, assisted customers in applying for Banana Republic Credit Cards, answered the phones, and kept the back counter clear of merchandise. When I was not maintaining the register area, I was assisting customers with their needs and replenishing the store. I was in charge of my own sales quota that was to be met by the end of each shift. Additionally, I was the Staff Representative responsible for the display, replenishment, and sale of Banana Republic jewelry. 

During my time spent at Banana Republic, I became much more familiar with sales techniques and was able to delve into my ability to relate to each customer. Though the goal was to sell merchandise, I always felt more comfortable meeting the needs of the customer rather than trying to up-sell them. I gained a loyal following of clients that would visit me often to shop - some of which I am still in contact with today.

I believe the exceptional management was the reason why our store was so successful, why our customers were always satisfied, and why my coworkers and I enjoyed working there so much. Our managers showed both employee and customer nothing but the utmost respect and understanding, which made it that much easier to work for them. Each of them inspired us to be better sales representatives, as well as better people. Plus, they were all great people to be around. 

In addition to management, I believe Gap Inc. is a great company to work for. I would recommend Gap Inc. to anyone looking for a great work environment with good perks and benefits.

Let’s get one thing clear, this company Gap is staying around but is down BAD. At Banana Republic Factory everything is always changing for better or worse. More the latter in my opinion. It’s not the employees fault, but shifting blame to corporate is appropriate. They DO NOT recognize patience, loyalty, hard work, and compassion. Everyone I work with at my short staffed store is phenomenal and works there tails off! The reason I have stayed is because I am in school and honestly, the co workers are awesome. Sadly that is not enough to keep me for much longer. The pay and work is unfulfilling. I have gotten a $2 dollar raise since I have worked here and the only way I can explain that is… the Great Resignation continues. My managers appreciate me and I know it, but they cannot pay me in thank you’s and appreciation. Company pushes way too hard on credit cards they offer and have a lousy promotion for them every once in a blue moon that makes the terrible card closer to MEHHHHH. The company sends pointless care packages with candy and nasty treats, but I want money instead… A RAISE for everyone more frequently.  I have been here for over 2 years and it’s getting worse! That is terrible! Coupons are ridiculously tedious and it never matches from online to the store. The company spends too much money on there cringy commercials and should put that into there dwindling workforce in the stores. The Great Resignation is beautiful, but also painful as I am seeing the effects of companies being out of touch and resisting to pay more!

While working at Banana Republic as a full-time Sales Associate, I enjoyed some success, but regarded the position as unfulfilling and un-challenging. The leadership team was a great support (with the exception of one). As a full -time sales associate, I initially enjoyed the benefits of The Platinum Circle. It was a great incentive to drive my sales and reach my goals. However, after the program was cut, I was extremely disappointed that Gap, Inc. decided not to award their top sales associates, but instead to award the whole staff as part of the CASH program. It didn't seem like a fair/balanced program. I continued to be a top sales performer, and my efforts were key to the store reaching it's CASH goal. I was no longer receiving commission for my efforts, but the full and part-time staff were now receiving payouts due to my performance.

After the Platinum Circle ended, I requested for an increase in base pay, but was denied. Discontinuing the compensation plan and not be compensated accordingly showed me that Gap, Inc was no longer interested in driving sales through customer relationships, and that Banana Republic was leaning towards a customer service model similar to Gap and Old Navy.

Employees are driven by goals and incentives. As a top sales associate for the company, I was driven each day by the fact that I had a goal to reach. During the last 8 months of my employment, I felt disconnected and not part of the team. My role as a top sales performer no longer mattered and I felt as though my position was being faded out.

Finally, the communication efforts from the Leadership Team were on average unsatisfactory. I never felt as though information was provided to me in a timely manner, and I always had to make the initiative to open up the communication line.

Working a the BR is, in a word "fun". The leadership is extremely professional and kindhearted which is a wonderful combination that inspires one to do ones best for them and the company.

A typical day for me starts in the afternoon which gives me ample time to get ready. I take time to put together an outfit from our collection and accessorize with statement necklaces etc. I feel like I amd going to a party every day.  I especially enjoy looking good for work. It makes my job easier as our clients always notice my attire. I am on the floor mostly at Womens' but a couple of time a week at Men's. I work at the fitting rooms, I organize the floor, (which is no easy task) and am at cash/wrap as backup. I usually close the store and stay late to do so. (Also not an easy task but more relaxing without the many customers).
We work as a team and my co workers can count on me for any assistance. Some have become friends.

 The best part of the job is the atomosphere of excitment with each new collection. The only time I come in early before the store opens is to train the staff on the new collection.
 I also love meeting so many new people from all over the world. Selling our collection is a breeze as all our costumers are fans and trust us. I have the pleasure of dressing and accessorizing both men and women each day.

 The hardest part is opening the BR credit cards. We have quotas each day and there is a lot of pressure, mostly on our leaders, to meet them. 

 My retail experience in the past was in cosmetics. So I have learned much about the fashion industry. Such as murchandising the store, the inspiration of the designers, and practically speaking, I have learned Cash/Wrap proceedures and simple alteration pinning.

I loved working for Gap, Inc. My two store managers were huge influences on my development, and are people I strongly admire. I started as a sales associate, learned stockroom responsibilities, got promoted to stock sup when our old one left to work at J Crew (they carried men's XS, and he was a little guy). Spent a year and a half leading a team to completion of markdowns, promos, and shipment. Due to some personal reasons, I had to step down, but stayed on as an associate for another year and a half.
Fast forward a year, and one of the assistant managers messaged me asking if I'd be interested in coming back as stock sup. It's a better job at that point than it was when I held it (it's classified as full time, so benefits). I of course said yes, and talked to the store manager about it. A week or so later, he informed me of a sister store that was looking for an assistant manager. It was actually closer to where I lived at the time, so I applied there. I interviewed with their store manager, the district manager, and another store manager before getting the job. I worked at that store for almost a year and absolutely loved it. It was by far my favorite job that I've ever had. I only left because I moved halfway across the country. 
The people, the culture, the job itself, were all fantastic. Gap Inc is a brand that truly values their employees, and in my experience, both of my store managers were all about developing talent within the store, and promoting from within. I know of at least two associates who became members of leadership since I left the last store, and I know that's due primarily to the store manager.

Certain managers were exceptional with giving me support. Most of the service leaders are either rude, sassy, or slack off and chat with other co-workers they are friendly to. Never greets you unless you greet them first. They usually don't tell you to take a break unless you ask, but when you do they give rude remarks and if you ask through the walkie -- they ignore you. 

Scheduling managers are unorganized and uninformed of changes to schedule even if brought up 2 weeks early. Every two weeks I get a call about not showing up for a shift I was clearly not assigned for. Yet they accuse me for being irresponsible and dishonest. 

The physical environment and culture is great. Although moving the setup around very often can be extremely confusing, slows down go backs, and gives the customers the impression that you are unexperienced and clueless of where items are. It is very fast-paced and can be stressful during holidays and promotional events. Convincing customers to sign up for the BR card is top priority. No cards = useless employee.

Co-workers who have worked for over a year seem to be distant and are only supportive when they feel like it. They are nice and friendly to you one day then act like they don't know you and backstab the next. Working as a team is challenging. If you help out their customer, they will glare at you and give attitude.

The most enjoyable part for me is that I get to let go of current personal issues and focus on fulfilling customers' needs, as well as providing flexible hours for students.

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