Coles

Working at a smaller location was a good learning experience. The staff was patient, gave clear explinations, and were responsive to the Co-Op Program. 

My placement was only a few hours every weekday, but it was easily the most fun. As it was in a mall, my day consisted of changing into work-appropriate attire then put my school supplies in the staff room, before seeing the manager or assistant manager to find out what my 'shift' would entail—which often varied. I restocked shelves and arranged displays, helped customers find what they were looking for, as well as inventory every Friday.

The best part of working there was being surrounded by books, being able to constantly add to my reading list. The most difficult, however, was moving past my shynest to approach strangers; I still get anxious, but I'm much better than I uses to be.

There's not much else to say.

I have a bit of a bias for this job because I enjoy books, and so I felt a real connection working with my coworkers and customers in this job.

Corporate seems out of the way, but I wasn't there long enough to truly see how corporate interacts with store level.

Management was fairly relaxed because there was only one or two managers in the store I worked at, and they trusted employees to do their jobs so unless there was an actual problem they usually just ran the store and kept everyone on task.

Even over the holiday season, possibly because of book-reader culture, it wasn't incredibly hectic, and customers were almost always receptive and friendly. 

The best part was being able to share new stories with all sorts of readers.

Tasks are very similar and repetitive. Interacting with customers is required, and maintaining a productive time management schedule. Some tasks take longer than others, but precision and a short time frame is very important. Must be able to multi-task throughout entirety of shifts. Attire is very formal and professional. Staff is nice at first, but can be taken as uncaring and company-oriented. Expected to continue working at home (go on website, post on discussion board). Doesn't allow for meaningful connections with customers. Must be committed to making the company better.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Every day is different. Great customers, great coworkers, great products. Never boring!

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Hours are not guaranteed for part-time staff, and schedule can vary dramatically from week to week. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Lots to do, and everyone pitches in to get it done! 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Prepare the store for opening, assist customers in finding products and making purchases, receive and merchandise product, maintain displays, organize storage areas, close store and prepare bank deposit.

Most of the day is spent putting books on bookshelves, tidying bookshelves, and working the till. It's not strenuous work, and sometimes somebody will ask if you know anything about a book, or an author, and you get to chat about books for a while. The worst part of the job is when you have to strip the covers off of books that aren't selling, and throw the books away. it seems like such a waste to see all those books in the trash, and it never feels quite right to destroy a book. I would reccommend this company to anybody that likes books, because there isn't a whole lot to the job besides books.

since it was a smaller branch of indigo and a bookstore in the mall, there were lots of slow days and it got repetitive pretty fast but the coworkers and management was kind and fun and for the most part lenient. they always made sure i was doing and feeling my best. they were very flexible to my schedule. customers were also for the most part kind and fun to help. being at cash can sometimes be overwhelming but overall it was an easy job. 

Working at Coles Indigo was a joy. The team I worked with was very hardworking and helpful. Management gave good constructive criticism and was always open to suggestions from the team and willing to also learn something new. As a team we were always sharing ideas and strategies to improve sales. During covid the company even offered to bump all part timers up to be eligible for benefits as a thank you for working so hard which was a surprise and very kind. A very inclusive company to work for.

I got a part time job here after taking part in a job placement program. I worked here for eight months before I left to attend College in another Province. Duties varied between helping customers with finding books or school supplies, keeping the displays organized and clean, properly disposing of books that were not selling and cashing out customers purchases. The staff were nice. I enjoyed working there.

Indigo is a great place to work. It's very easy going, they offer a great training program for all new hires and, literally, the entire staff is willing to help you out when you get stuck or need a hand.

Great management style, opportunities with the company are limited in Ottawa however if you decide to relocate to Toronto a corporate opportunity might arise. 

I enjoy working with my coworkers the environment is positive and my manager is open to you pursuing other opportunities while working at the store.

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