some of the problems i faces were location-specific, however most of them were managerial/corporate issues.
-inconsiderately impossible sales goals, not adjusted for holidays.
-extreme pressure for employees to grab emails for e-receipts, with a company wide percentage ranking as to which stores have the most amount of emails.
-there is no discernible difference between part time and full time associate. same pay, just “longer hours”, despite part time associates being forced to work full time hours regardless.
-severe understaffing, while managers are shifting back and forth to do training at other locations.
-incoherent “dress code”. when you are hired, you receive an email on what to wear on your first day. it is not a dress code, rather a style inspo. however there is no written dress code in any employee resource. my location’s dress code was fairly… dumb, to say the least: no hoodies, leggings, biker shorts, crop tops, spaghetti straps (90% of the store’s merchandising right there). no shoes with logos.
-half the managerial staff sucks, from breaking dress codes themselves, to sitting around and doing nothing whilst piling on the tasks for associates, to blatant DISRESPECT that goes unrecognized.
-no real security. my location had been stolen from multiple times, with one instance occurring in the stockroom, where we have no sort of lock or pinpad for entrance.
-pay is not worth the stress, hard work, and inconsistency. associates should definitely be paid commission.
Proscute clothes. great employee discounts.
Constl;dr: impossible sales goals, understaffing, bad management pay’s not worth it, picky dress code
The environment was nice. All of my co-workers were easy to get along with. The management was very kind and reasonable. Hours were very flexible. However, their vacation policy is unreasonable.
RUN RUN RUN you don't want to work for this company, especially this location. TRUST ME just apply somewhere else you'll be much happier in the long run.
Any fellow job seekers , working at ardene was a fun experience at first but I wouldn’t consider this a permanent job . People come and they go . Work here for a couple of months and move on
Poor pay but a lot of opportunities for advancement
Ardene is so new in the US that it was yet to realize that US customers are different than CA customers. Because of this their goals and expectations are just unrealistic and unreasonable. Rarely had a full management team and not enough sales associates. Sales associates and managers are barley paid anything. Sales goals can be unrealistic especially with how cheap everything. And because everything is so cheap isn't not like someone can easily drop $100.
Because of their high turnover rate you can easily more up in ardene
Daily work involves putting out stock and helping customers while keeping the store clean
The job really depends on the manager you have. I have had 3 in my 6 years with the company. Retail is unforgiving,and does not feel rewarding. It is up to the manager to show how rewarding it can be. I have had one great manager, one that was overwhelmed. and one that is really young and has a lot to learn. The company expects a lot from the staff so you need to be on your game.
3.0
Customer Service Representative | United States | Dec 2, 2020
Fun and loving co-workers
The co-workers at Ardene were extremely kind. Everyone was supportive of me and welcomed me in. They have taught me to be more open than I used to be.
ProsFlexible hours, Kind co-workers, constantly motivating one another
Conslow pay for high labor, end up doing more than job description, miscommunication among staff
1.0
Customer Service Representative | United States | Oct 14, 2018
Don't work here
Don't recommend working for this company. Took forever to get paid. They don't value hard work. No benefits for employees.
There are better places to work.
5.0
Junior Product Designer | Montréal, QC | Nov 16, 2019
fun workplace with friendly stuffs
A typical day at work is busy as any other jobs, lots of training opportunities provided by the employer. We always work closely with management. Love the overall experience.
I love working at Ardene - I have been there for a year and it's been one of the best jobs. I have worked at two different locations and all of my co-workers have been awesome people!
ProsClothing & accessories discounts
5.0
Customer Service Representative | Chilliwack, BC | Apr 5, 2016
it was a fun work place and my coworkers made it more enjoyable.
i thuroughly enjoy working here, its my type of alley but i just am looking efor something new. working in retail is fun but i am looking for something more qualifying
3.0
Réception de la Marchandise (H/F) | Montréal, QC | Aug 9, 2017
milieu stimulant
Grande équipe,sentiment d'évolution dans le domaine de la vente et du marketing.Progression de l'entreprise et connaissance des textiles et de la mode.
Overall Ardene was a great place to work, on some occasions the company would ask for favors from their employees. After a while favors with no appreciation gets old reasons for why I left Ardene.
ProsPositive enviroment with the right management
ConsLow wages and no acknowledgement of good work
4.0
Retail Assistant Manager | Calgary, AB | Jan 27, 2016
Retail
I worked full time as a key holder. We did lots of stock and I got along with most of my co-workers. I learned a lot of customer service. The hardest part of the job was trying not to have too much fun.
Manager had favourites and treated the rest of the employees unfair. The manager broke alot of rules and when workers went to DM, the DM did not care and allowed it to keep happening.
3.0
Customer Service Representative | Barrie, ON | Jan 5, 2017
freiendly staff
I love sales/ customer service and learning something new everyday.
Although it needs to be more organized to make sure customer satisfaction and sales..
Questions And Answers about Ardene
How are the working hours at Ardene?
Asked Sep 4, 2016
The time USUALLY not depends on you. no freedom
Answered Oct 1, 2017
Often unpredictable schedules depending on the daily work load.
Answered Sep 4, 2016
How do you feel about the future of Ardene?
Asked Feb 25, 2021
I think the future will be good, they are growing a lot but my store just has crazy drama
Answered Apr 18, 2021
Even though the pandemic is hitting the company hard, I feel confident they will survive and thrive.
Answered Feb 25, 2021
What advice would you give the CEO of Ardene about how to improve it?
Asked Dec 2, 2020
The only piece of advice I would have is to show your long term employees you value their loyalty to the company and their hard work by offering raises.
Answered Feb 25, 2021
There has to be clear communication as to what the store is receiving in shipment. Some store locations will fall short on certain fixtures which will not allow for the products to be pushed out in their entirety. This causes the stock room to overflow with repeating items such as accessories (especially socks). There should be an inventory system for this company and for each store so that it can monitor what each store is selling the most rather than wasting money on producing products that the customers do not want.
Answered Dec 2, 2020
Do you need experience to work at Ardene?
Asked Dec 2, 2020
no you do not
Answered Apr 13, 2021
you will need customer service and sales associate experience.
Answered Dec 2, 2020
If you were in charge, what would you do to make Ardene a better place to work?
Asked Mar 18, 2020
Stop the gossiping between managers. Allow for a more flexible work schedule
Answered Mar 20, 2020
-Create open dialogs with team members and openly communicate about issue
-Celebrate individuals for completed goals
-Involve more team members in decisions and directives
-ensure consistent and thorough training opportunities
