sales associate

assistant store manager

shift manager

shift leader

store manager

Cleo

On entry at work it is necessary to check the "red book" to determine any updates on sales, computer changes, new stock to be received, markdowns to process, etc. Typical duties include receiving new stock from delivery, steaming the merchandise before putting on the floor, following Cleo standards for merchandising and displays, approaching all customers as they enter the store with a warm welcome and brief message of sales/promotions, suggestion sell for additional pieces (e.g jewellery or accessories to go with an outfit), follow ABC's of selling (Always Be Closing), displaying a cheerful and supportive attitude towards all customers, being a good listener. Of all the duties, our relationship with our customers is key to ur success. When a customer enters the store, an associate must greet her/him within seconds of entry. As well, duties include backroom organization and cleaning, Opening and closing the store procedures and making deposits are part of the day also.

I have learned finer details of merchandising and retail sales such as opening and closing, displaying themes for merchandise as per Cleo directives and following the sales process from entry to the store to stages of markdowns and write-offs.

The management is very supportive to all associates in their various stages of learning. Mistakes are seen as learning opportunities and "teachable moments".

Co-workers vary in age from young college students to retired personnel who are supplementing their pension incomes. The work environment is cheerful, with associates laughing with customers and each other throughout the day.

The hardest part of the job is that if sales are not great, our hours are cut. If an associate only works 6-10 hours per week it is harder to stay in "the flow" of the business.

The most enjoyable part of the job is receiving new merchandise and showcasing it for the customers. We feel that it is like Christmas as we unpack boxes of new merchandise and prepare items for display.

This might have just been my location, but the management was absolutely terrible. We have one employee notorious for stealing customers and forcing new employees to stock in the back or do other work for her while taking all the sales (then management would reprimand us for not meeting our sales goals); and management refused to fire this employee despite most others complaining about her AND the fact that she is now 70 years old. Likewise if they have a problem with you, they don't talk to you about it, they just cut your hours. Some girls will go 4-5 weeks without a shift just because they were late or did something wrong. Management is rude and unapproachable, employee turnover rate is disgustingly high, and management gives part timers very few hours (as little as 3 a week!).

What is the best part of working at the company?
The Customers make the job 
50% discount if you like to wear business attire 


What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
No work life balance
No hours for staff, so working around other jobs.
Company closes lots of stores when lease expires.
Job security 
Store Managers work extra hours to have the store standards met

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Depends on who you are and what you can bring to the table  
Culture is demeaning associates coming all the way from upper management 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Open , deal with customers, shipment 
Always folding tables, cleaning fit rooms, 
Coaching staff,

Working at Cleo definitely would have been improved with better and more accepting management. Manager in interview talked about how accepting and flexible they were as I am a student with a very sick dad. I was hired with the premises of working a maximum of 20 hours a week, I was given 48 hours in the first week I was there. Manager always scheduled me during class hours, then get passive aggressive when reminded I couldn't work then. Coworkers were extremely competitive and two faced. I gave up some of my sales to lower my hours, I was accused of stealing sales from coworkers, never talked to about it until it went to higher ups. I was constantly blamed for others mistakes and was treated poorly by management. Definitely based on my age.

They were very impatient with me, expecting me to learn something the first time after I was taught.  I was yelled at when I made common mistakes (I was new), I felt a lot of pressure from them. This was my 1st job as well, so I was very new to everything.  Management was disorganized as well, there was no tangible proof of a schedule and I had to call in to get my shifts, it seems the schedule was made last minute as well.  I only got 1 shift a week (2 if I was lucky) and the shifts I got were cancelled last minute anyways... I would get a call 20-30 mins before my shift saying they didn't need me anymore.

I wouldn't recommend working here if you care about your mental health.

Too many interim managers. Never quite sure what the right way to do something is, because they all want it done a different way. One interim manager changed my hours and didnt inform me and then pretended she didn't know what happened. She was in charge of the schedule. Co-workers will steal your sales. They'll get you to clean their messes so they can get the sales as well, or have you doing stock so you can never attain their sales goals. Also making me take 30 minute unpaid breaks on a shift 5hrs and under. Sometimes the computers don't clock you in properly and you don't get paid for all your work.

Don't work at the Cleo at carlingwood mall it's awful  there is one employee there that is so rude and condicend ing  she has no people skills and she's even rude to customers the worst part is that management toast even care or do anything if you complain about this employee she seems to get away with whatever just because she's been there a long time which is not right  they make you wear only there clothes which is fine if you get a lot of hours and shifts but not so much if you only work a few days a week it's boring and stress full and the only good part about working there was some of the customers they were the only highlight

Company is extremely fashion forward, with a pulse on current and occuring trends. Staff was extremely enjoyable to work with, and often had interaction outside of work setting. Visual merchandising was well done and flow of merchandise accomodated demand. Business Development Leader (District Manager) for Ottawa and Cornwall area extremely approachable, understanding and motivating; she was firm but fair. Regional Visualist very creative and approachable, extremely on point with ideas.

When I first started working at Cleo it was an adventure, new things to learn, new people to help, most of all new surroundings, but now after working there almost a year I find it is hard to receive hours, and learn new things. The world of fashion is always changing but at Cleo no one is teaching the "New". A typical day at work for me is probably a slow/busy day. I help customers make there decisions, check them out and do a scattered return. There isn't really a hard part to my job. The most enjoyable part of my job is having a satisfied customer.

I worked at Cleo for a short time the customers are amazing. However, the company does not support its workers I left my job because of workplace harassment. I followed up with upper management and asked for help none was given. It would have been a great work environment if they had a manager that cared and showed empathy and compassion towards its staff. Unfortunately not the case.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Sales associate 9 salaries reported	$17.65 per hour
Assistant store manager 2 salaries reported	$18.50 per hour
Shift manager 7 salaries reported	$17.45 per hour
Shift leader 2 salaries reported	$16.45 per hour
Store manager 1 salary reported	$50,750 per year

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