retail sales associate

barista

retail supervisor

retail sales supervisor

retail store manager

Travel-Traders-Hotel-Retail

I got referred by a friend who used to work at one of the stores. I worked as a sales associate in Cambridge and Boston. My experience with Travel Traders is very similar to most reviews here. 

After my first two work weeks, I noticed that Travel Traders was not ideal to stay for a long time. You will need to continue your search for a better opportunity elsewhere while you work at this company. 

Employee absentism and a high turn over rate were big problems at the two stores I worked. I was often called during my scheduled days off to cover for someone who was absent or quit. There were times when I accepted because I believe in working as a team player, but management abused from my willingness and I ended not covering anyone anymore. 

One of the stores was without a manager for six months and the company placed an interim manager who was in charge of two additional stores. The interim manager, obviously overwhelmed, was dealing with my store over the phone, by texts but rarely in person. I enjoyed that at the beggining because it gave me independence, but was getting unfairly overwhelmed while earning minimum wage.

The company finally hired a permanent manager, but that manager was a disaster, very disorganized. The storage room was tiny and that manager was often getting so much merchandise as if the end of the world was coming and there was no enough space to store it. The store was overstocked. I wish I could have photos. The storage room was a mess. 

I tried to cooperate, but the manager was obviously overwhelmed. My overall experience working at Travel Traders was like swimming against the current in a negative way that left me drained and undervalued. I was hearing stories from other stores and it seems that most were the same. 

The work conditions were unfair for the low hourly wage. I won't mention numbers here, but it was just a little bit higher than the state minimum wage and lower than many department stores in the area. One day I was so tired and overwhelmed that closed the store and went home. That was my final day. I don't need their reference.   

In summary, the company is problematic from the higher levels and that transfers to managments and employees. Research before applying.

I worked inside a hotel gift/convenience shop during college for Travel Traders instead of a dedicated product/clothing store. I felt like management was accommodating to my college schedule. I sold over-the-counter medicine, alcohol, beverages, snacks, and souvenirs. I worked alone inside a busy hotel with friendly hotel staff. Typically only 1 person was working, and we barely saw the manager or supervisor. I loved it compared to working a regular big box retail job. The starting pay was better, and I wasn’t sorting/scanning huge amounts of inventory or constantly having to clean up after customers like a regular retail job. Since I worked alone inside another company, I rarely saw Travel Traders employees and the work culture was really dictated by who you meet at the hotel. Customers will get mad at you because everything costs 2-3 times as much as the same thing at Walgreens, but you didn’t set the prices, and they can go to Walgreens if they really wanted it cheaper. Because the hotel was packed during conventions, sporting events, and concerts, management would require us to work outside the usual 7 AM to 10 PM operating hours if it meant high sales, so be prepared to work long hours on those days or ask off early if you have tickets to an event. I loved that I worked alone mostly, but working closing and opening shifts required counting the money in the register and sorting it out throughout the shift. Some employees (who weren’t good at math) found this to be overwhelming. 

To start with my Area Manager and the people I worked with daily were the greatest.  On the other hand, the “powers that be”, left a lot to be desired.  Whomever makes the budgets, they obviously do not look at the type of clientele for the hotel, nor look at the forecasted percentages coming into the hotel for the coming month and adjust accordingly nor care where the hotel is located (which state).  Prices are much too high in this area for the clientele but also the fact that most of the souvenirs are either outdated or much to large for people to want to carry with them to take home.  The health and beauty items can be purchased at a drug store half a block a way for a lesser price as well as the food items.  “The powers that be” have placed to many items in the store and this confuses the customer so we lose business. Paperwork is redundant since Head Office receives most of it at the end of each night (not an eco friendly company).  Expectations on sales are unrealistic.  For the work expected of any employee especially up-selling the products this isn't McDonald's where you try to get the customer to buy a larger order of fries, products should speak for themselves and people are not interested in saving a dollar.  This company needs to become a part of the 21st Century as far as technology is concerned, such as a laptop or computer in the office.  If you are looking to make a few dollars for a few months then this might be the place for you, but do not expect a raise after 3 months or so as most jobs give but to stay at the same rate of pay unless you become a supervisor or Area Manager.  Upper management does not really care about the employees, nor are they really interested in what employees have to say but it would seem they are just about making more money for themselves.

Working for Travel Traders was a terrible experience. I have worked for many high end companies and have never been treated so poorly. Management fed into many dramas and altercations and often encouraged it by talking poorly aboUt employees to others and making up lies. Management here has fabricated stories about my fellow co workers and myself. My manager would pin employees against each other for no reason. They began to retaliate against me because I mentioned to the manager that I would speak to her boss, in order to resolve issues. Instead of receiving encouragement, I was met with no support and absolutely no appreciation for my hard work. I was in charge of running a store and my manager always tried to make conflict with me and my employees. After I left the job, all my employees/former employees were my greatest supporters. No one deserves to be treated the way I was, especially for all I gave to the job. If you want to be miserable inside and outside of work then this company is for you. This company is so bad that management had to constantly hire new employees every week because no one would stay. The longer you stay, the worse it becomes for your sanity. The manager is notorious for hiring family and close friends. This created a very hostile and biased environment. Management created a clique that would target any employee. They constantly would talk badly about everyone, even employees. Bottom line, do not work here.

A typical day does not exist-everyday there is a new challenge to be faced daily but knowing there are amazing co-workers and managers gives strength to take on the day. The most important thing that I have learned working for this company is patience. Every customer you come in contact with has a different need from the rest. You have to willing to put yourself in the place of the customer in order to give the best customer service. The Management team is very organized, hard working, and communicates very well to all employees. The workplace culture is a positive place that improves teamwork, raises the morale, increases productivity and efficiency at work. The hardest part of the job would be that some days are longer than others, the work shifts change weekly sometimes daily. The best part is that there are no two days that are the same. Another feature is the diversity of employees within the company, work flexibility, opportunity for advancement, company sales incentives, benefits, the variety of jobs that keeps you motivated, a fun place to work with where you interact with all people from all walks of life, a great and a professional management and opportunity for a potential growth in the company. And the most important part of the job is the self satisfaction of making others (customers) happy.

If you actually want to manage, avoid this company. The position as Area Manager is more like a baby sitter who basically is paid more to ensure the gift shops are staffed when one of the five employees decides to quit or not show up. Pay is based on 45 hours per week. Work week hours are more likely to hit 55 to 60 with a lot of 6:30 am to 10:30pm shifts if someone calls off. You are at the mercy of the corporate HR Department to staff the store. 

The only real interaction you may have with upper management is when something negative is to be communicated. There is not a lot of recognition.

Ordering of products is done by fax. There is not any computer access or ordering of any sort. 

Prices on products are very high. I understand this company is trying to target a captive customer who is traveling but the prices on products are 2x to 10x as expensive as a drug store. I also understand this company does not have the buying power as a larger company but you have to feel a little guilty for charging $5 for a trial size product. 

Insurance costs are very high. Very low 401K match. Point of Sale and ordering systems are from the 1980's. Dial up service for credit charges. 

The only perk is if you are able to use the title of Area Manager and twist the job position to build a resume for a future position.

A typical work day has many challenges, But it's all the way you look at it!  Walk your store(s) check the sales floor look at what you could be missing, get it restocked,fix it, or order it!.  Make sure your view your staff is providing outstanding Customer Service, check e-mails, check your sales, check Home Office messages,work with your staff and make sure your building a re- pore, and build a strong team. (Daily).
I've learned many things, but most of all to give quality customer service, be a role model, a team player and a good listener, hire qualified associates and foster them for growth.
As far as management, work well with others, build communication skills, and share experiences through out our longevity of employment, and put them into practice in our daily work, to build on our work Culture. One of the hardest part of the job is to find the correct candidate to fulfill the position that sometimes becomes available. (Job Retention)
The most rewarding part of the Job is being able to make that first time Guest leave our establishment with a smile, and know that they bought a keep sake for them self, or friends/family receiving over the top service and great value for their purchase.  I love to see them exit with a Smile, then I know I did a good job.  (Job Satisfaction)

As a MANAGER: This is a great job for someone who has no other obligations. You will learn a lot.  The hotel environment is BEAUTIFUL. The guests are friendly and happy. Loved working with my immediate team. 
HR is available at all times for any questions or support as well as other managers in the company. 
UNFORTUNATELY, you will work weekends and holidays if you are a MANAGER. There is zero comp days off for working OT or major holidays. If someone calls out or is a no show you WILL be expected to get there by 7:00am even on your day off (Sunday's too). Unlike regular retail these stores are open 365 days a year including Thanksgiving & Christmas. 
Expect your personal cell phone to ring all hours every day. Text messages and emails are also nonstop (this was the biggest con for me) You will have NO work/life balance. 
* I recommend this company if you do NOT have family obligations. This is also a GREAT job if you are obsessively organized, LOVE paperwork, love kicking it old school with faxing everything & truly enjoy having your phone bursting with all the phone calls, texts & emails.

For starters, you are in a 24/7 hotel environment. The contract with your particular resort partner dictates the store(s) hours. Generally, very early to very late for guests’ convenience.
You may be running multiple theme stores offering items from boutique style soft lines to sundries and grab-n-go foods.
If you have a background in grocery, pharmacy, or convenience stores this may be of help.
Travel Traders inventory and point of sale systems are outdated as well as confusing and difficult to navigate. 
There is a very heavy focus on accounting and loads of paperwork.
Merchandising does not seem to be a priority and it shows in the congested “more is more” look of the shops.
Pay is not commensurate with the amount of work expected. PTO/vacation/sick time are all rolled into one and slow to accrue; 2-3 hours per bi-monthly pay. Only salary managers are offered bonafide health insurance. All hourly staff are offered a health discount plan. Overall, this employer may not be your first choice if you’re interested in a real career in retail.

I want to start by saying I LOVED THIS JOB.

I generally closed the store, but my day usually started by taking inventory of alcohol, as well as ended with taking it again at closing. I was responsible for keeping the stock room and the sales floor clean, The refridgerators well stocked as well as the shelves, according to plannograms. On occasion I was also responsible for recreating sales displays.I would have to run room charges by the front desk and checking ID on sales and room checks.

I learned more about time management, and to keep myself busy without constant supervision.

My manager and supervisor both were incredible, and so patient with me. They were so much fun to work with and to get to know. 

My co-workers were just as amazing as my manager and supervisor.

The hardest part was the anxiety that I had caused myself on occasion, by overthinking everything concerning my paper work as I was learning how to process.

I loved my job in a whole, it was a great experience and was sad to leave. I would still be there, but a family emergency had occured, which affected my childcare.

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