retail assistant manager

assistant manager

store manager

associate manager

assistant store manager

envy+grace

I had the incredible privilege of working as an Assistant Manager at Envy and Grace, for a fulfilling two years, and I am delighted to share my heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable experience I had with the company. From the very beginning, it was evident that Envy was not just a clothing store, but a community that fosters growth and positivity. The company's commitment to providing ample room for personal and professional development is truly commendable. I started there as a nervous sales associate starting my first official retail position and through great leadership, mentorship and training  I was able to grow and become the store's AM.  I felt supported in my role and was encouraged to take on new challenges, learn new skills, and push my boundaries. What struck me the most was the genuinely positive environment that enveloped the workplace. The connection among the staff created a sense of unity that transcended the ordinary. The teamwork was remarkable, and I felt that my ideas were always valued and considered. This positive atmosphere made each workday enjoyable, motivating me to give my best effort consistently. Another one of my favourite things about working at Envy and Grace was undoubtedly the fantastic array of clothing options it offered.  The store's commitment to staying on top of the latest trends while catering to diverse tastes is truly impressive. I took immense pride in helping customers find pieces that resonated with their individual styles while also being able to build my own closet and style :) My time at Envy has been an incredible journey of personal and professional growth. The company's unwavering support for development, the positive and collaborative environment, and the array of exceptional clothing choices truly make it a standout in the retail industry. I am grateful for the opportunities I had and the memories I made during my tenure. I wholeheartedly recommend working at Envy not only for its exceptional clothing but also for its vibrant workplace culture.

I worked as Assistant Manger for the company for 2 years. Absolutely loved it for the first year and a half. Was the best environment, head offices, co workers, and product. Everything went down hill when a new DM was hired from the outside. After weeks of training and month of adapting she still lacked basic customer service and communication skills, she was not open to questions and would not let you finish your sentence by walking away. She constantly had her phone on the sales floor and was disengaged. Constantly taking about clothes and what she should wear for the weekend garage party. During conference calls I also picked up how she talked about being in our store all the time which was just incorrect. The only full day she ever spent in the store was my last day which felt targeted to make me feel uncomfortable. From the 2nd week she started I was trying to talk to her and she was never in our store or was there on my days off. She would talk to my coworkers and other stores in the mall about how she didn't know if I liked her, as if that was appropriate or relevant in the workplace. As assistant manger I prided my self and leading the team by example and it was very difficult to keep a positive attitude daily with my leader treating me this way. I decided to push through and continue my love for the company but after my manger gave her resignation notice I went to my DM to talk about the Store Manger job. She told me I did not not do my job and I would not be promoted but I can “keep hoping” She was extremely unprofessional and so I made the hard decision to give my notice. I have no hard feelings towards the company I do still love the clothing and I really saw a long term future. My hope is the company looks into this DM before the turnover rate spikes.

Envy+Grace provides employees with a validating work environment, varying product knowledge, unique benefits, and exceptional management. The daily workday at Envy+Grace values employee dedication and relies on building strong connections with possible customers. The workplace environment is supportive and close-knit, and there is mutual respect for all workers alike. Expressly, the company heavily hinges on social employees, considering providing customers with pleasant experiences over the monetary value of employee sales. Additionally, Envy+Grace equips employees with meticulous knowledge of steps in thriving customer interactions and brands such as Levi's, Spanx, and Silvers. Moreover, this company encourages employees to utilize their style to inspire shoppers. On average, the monthly additional incentives for employee sales facilitate friendly competition among coworkers. Accordingly, the Canadian-owned company has been the best employer I have had the pleasure of working for, principally due to an intensive focus on ensuring the valuing of its employees. From the in-store management team to higher district managers, they respect their employees and assure recognition of diligence. Overall, all employees of Envy+Grace have left a lasting positive impression, creating an outstanding working environment where you can always be excited to go to work.

The interview led me to think this would be a great fit and that the company had lots of plans for the future. The first week or two were good, but everyone’s true colours came out after that. None of the lower management were happy and made this very clear to upper management but nobody listened. This led to all management quitting because they were so unhappy. We were berated and patronized by the manager and asked countless “favours” by upper management. Worked to the bone and when we were all burnt out and needed a break we were in short told that’s not good enough we’re all stressed. None of the staff were happy and confided in one or two management because they didn’t want to turn to the right person. 
Most of the team are young but they’re not stupid, they know what’s going on and why people are leaving. The turn over is so high its a huge red flag! You were made feel guilty about taking a sick day, BUT made work with people who may have had covid and put your own health at risk. Availability was never taken into consideration when the schedule was done and at that it was never done on time. 
I only feel for the team who don’t even realize how they’re being taken advantage of.
Unfortunately head office believe that what works on the east coast will work in Toronto but it just doesn’t and they don’t want to listen to reason at all.

Working as an Assistant Manager at this company was one of the most discouraging experiences of my career. The management, both in-store and from head office, is extremely poor and disconnected from the realities of running a clothing store. Head office sets expectations that are completely unrealistic, constantly demanding more without offering the proper support, staffing, or resources to achieve them.

There is little to no appreciation for the hard work that goes into managing a team and keeping a store running smoothly. Instead, the focus is on pushing impossible sales targets and micromanaging minor details while ignoring bigger operational issues. Communication is disorganized and inconsistent, leaving employees in the dark until the last minute.

The pressure placed on Assistant Managers is immense, yet the authority to actually make decisions or implement improvements is practically nonexistent. You’re expected to carry the weight of the store without recognition, proper pay, or support from leadership.

Overall, the toxic culture created by head office’s unreasonable demands and poor management practices makes this a very unhealthy workplace. I would not recommend this company to anyone looking for long-term growth or a supportive retail environment.

While I was initially excited to join Envy & Grace, my short experience there revealed some challenges that I feel are important for others to know — especially those considering opportunities with the brand.

The company has a pattern of hiring externally for leadership positions rather than promoting from within, which unfortunately can create a tense and unsupportive work environment. If you’re brought in from another brand, you may find yourself caught in the middle of existing team dynamics, leading to unnecessary stress and internal resistance — even when you’re performing well.

Despite putting in genuine effort, delivering results, and maintaining professionalism, I felt more like a placeholder than a valued team member. In my case, this led to a sudden and unexpected termination after just one month — with no clear feedback or closure.

I share this not out of resentment, but to help others make informed decisions and to encourage better internal development practices and communication within the organization. Everyone deserves to work in a space that is both fair and supportive.


Canadian, fashion forward, entrepreneurial spirit and supportive. I have worked in retail for over 20 years! I left fashion retail about 8 years ago because the company I was previously with had altered their culture and it just didn’t align anymore. When I came across envy+grace I was drawn to it firstly because it was Canadian and secondly, I loved their insta. The interview with the DM was awesome!! I loved her approach and her vibe…I  knew I wanted to work with her and I got my chance!! The culture is so inclusive, positive and motivating. Going in, I was nervous and frankly not 100% committed because of my past retail experience. My trainer the first week was the sweetest and funniest and completely flipped my perspective on the first day. She’s been with the company for 6+ years and honestly left the most incredible impression on me. At e+g you get a team who is positive and supportive at store level and from support office. A great place to work and lots of growth opportunity!

The company’s decisions appear to be made by a small clique of people who seem to lack maturity and awareness.

The communication is horrible from H/O to store staff, and not at all clear. The worst I’ve ever experienced. In store staff often feel the brunt of this.

The H/O is on the east coast (Halifax), and unfortunately they seem to think it’s the same across the country-when it obviously is not. They seem naive, almost, and the product is over priced (specifically the casual wear, formal/club wear is much better).

The individual stores are very well staffed with good hard working people. Store managers work hard for their staff, but have no influence-on anything. No management position does.

Directives from head office are often unclear, vague, and not well planned.

My experience with this company wasn’t positive. There was very little support provided to staff, and most issues were left for employees to figure out on their own. Training and guidance were minimal, which made it difficult to feel confident or set up for success in the role.

Head office was often dismissive and unapproachable. Communication from HO frequently came across as rude or condescending, and it didn’t feel like concerns were taken seriously. Instead of offering help or solutions, interactions often created more stress.

Overall, the environment felt unsupportive, and the attitude from head office contributed to a negative atmosphere. I wouldn’t recommend this workplace to someone looking for respectful leadership or reliable support.

Sure, you can be attracted to work there because of the nice clothes and discount but management doesnt care about you at all. Head Office and owners in Halifax are stingy and will dispose of you without a care in the world as they hire and fire as they please thats why you see such a high turnover. In my 3 years of working there I had 7 managers come in and out. What does that say about the company and the relationship they have with their employees?? They have a bad rep of treating their workers poorly even if you are hard-working, do everything almost perfect and bend yourself backwards for them - they do not care. Whatever interests them is their only priority.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Retail assistant manager 7 salaries reported	$18.22 per hour
Assistant manager 9 salaries reported	$21.83 per hour
Store manager 6 salaries reported	$66,167 per year
Associate manager 2 salaries reported	$21.75 per hour
Assistant store manager 1 salary reported	$17.25 per hour

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