I miss the old Crate - Department Manager Crate and Barrel Employee Review

4.0
14 Mar 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

C&B used to have such a family feel. They had amazing management that trained the staff and inspired growth. Then... They sold out. I heard that things have been much better once the owner stepped back to take charge and make sure that the culture wasn't totally lost. Sad thing is that they lost so many amazing members of management along the way. Management companies turn the focus away from the customer and onto the $ not realizing that the most money comes through customer relationships. They must want to come back to a trusted authority. Not just to salespeople whom push items down their throats.

Cons

Management company ruined the culture that was a lifestyle in a matter if months. What took more than 50 years to build was ruined. It's much harder to earn back trust once lost.

Explore other reviews about Crate and Barrel

1.0
11 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The office had a good coffee machine, which employees appreciated. The cafeteria staff member was friendly and welcoming, which made the environment feel a little more positive. Opportunity to observe how long-established corporate operations function.

Cons

Management style felt very micromanaged. The management in the IT appeared heavily focused on older management methods rather than collaborative leadership. Favoritism was noticeable among certain employees and teams. Contract workers were treated differently from full-time employees, including exclusion from social events, food gatherings, and team activities. The IT teams often seemed disconnected and unwilling to support or train others properly. Communication issues were common, including employees talking negatively about coworkers behind their backs. Training and onboarding lacked structure and consistency. The workplace often felt disorganized, with unclear processes and coordination problems.

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