Toxic - Electronic Cigarette Specialist VPZ Employee Review

1.0
24 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You receive a discount by virtue of working there. That is the one and only benefit.

Cons

Ostensibly the most anti-worker franchise on the high street. 1. No work/life balance. You are expected to dedicate yourself to VPZ and their twisted notion of work culture - even if you are only a university student looking for some extra cash to put yourself through school. 2. Poor treatment of ill staff - I witnessed a staff member literally poo themselves because of Norovirus and not be sent home. Staff members with severe respiratory infections were encouraged to come into work. This is despite VPZ claiming it is on the cutting edge of public health retail (they maintain a 'clinic' vibe in store to make more sales). It is not in the best interest of public health to force sick employees to come into work when they cannot work safely or with dignity. 3. Discrimination isn't taken seriously: I received abuse from customers about wearing an accessibility tool and my fellow staff failed to see the glaring issue. I also heard my fellow staff laughing about serious violence directed against members of the trans community. Need I say more? 4. You are forced to work alone for nearly every shift. Incredibly distressing when you first start. 5. Clause in your work contract that states that you must pay for your own training to work there if you leave within three years. Regardless of whether it's actually enforced, objectively disgusting and anti-worker. 6. You are encouraged to start vaping as an employee even if you already do not use cigarettes or nicotine. Public health anyone? Not a 'snowflake' by any means - I have worked all my life since I was 15 in various industries. Function work, cafe work, portering, sales, retail, admin, cleaning. I have never worked at a place as deplorable as VPZ, and I have worked for less than minimum wage before.

Explore other reviews about VPZ

4.0
3 Aug 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good environment and friendly colleagues

Cons

None that I can mention

2.0
31 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The team instore and in the cluster manager - decent discounts on product.

Cons

The compensation for this management role is significantly below industry standards, particularly given the level of responsibility involved. There is a high degree of micromanagement, and despite holding the title of Store Manager, there is very limited autonomy over fundamental responsibilities such as recruitment, timekeeping, and holiday approvals. In practice, the role operates more as supervisory position, with a primary focus on rota planning rather than broader store leadership and strategic decision-making. Performance targets are often unrealistic and lack alignment with typical retail trends—for example, expectations that December sales levels should not only be maintained but increased through quieter trading periods such as January. There are also concerns regarding working practices, including an expectation to open the store without appropriate compensation. When working alone, it can be difficult to take legally entitled breaks, with staff effectively required to remain on the shop floor to serve customers. Overall, the role offers limited opportunities for progression and can become repetitive over time. Career development and pay progression appear inconsistent and difficult to attain, regardless of performance. Good luck if you need to speak to someone in head office as unfortunately they’ll of either been sacked or quit due to ever mounting pressure felt at all aspects of the business

3
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