customer service representative

assistant store manager

store manager

retail sales associate

graphic designer

Above Ground Art Supplies

Working at Above Ground brought a new spark in creativity and re-ignited my passion for visual arts and art materials. The team I was apart of made coming to work more tolerable, even if we were having a hard day, I felt supported and like they cared. HOWEVER, not the same can be said about upper management. They've done some pretty shady things and the lack of care when it comes to the safety in the store is unbelievable. There was so many hazards and accidents waiting to happen, it felt like talking to a wall when it came to addressing them. If something was finally being addressed, it would take ages to see anything get done. There amount your expected to do vs the pay plus upper management adding stress does not balance. If you're currently and art student you'll get hired but stay firm with your days off and what days you can work. 

The work experience is different depending on which location you are on.  If you work at the Beach or Junction location your job will be very chill and easy. However McCaul is a whole different story, the manager is great and the work environment is very friendly. However, staff members are overworked and underpaid. There is no way to grow in the company, no work-life balance, if you want to go part-time they will not allow it.  The whole store has one tiny bathroom which is shared by 15 plus staff members and customers. The break room doesn't really exist, it's crowded and dirty. The hardest part of the job is back to school season and trying to advertise the newsletter every single time. This is a great job just for the short term, after a while it's soul-sucking.

What is the best part of working at the company?
As a visual artist, I loved working with other artists and supplies that I have experience with. The vibe was very positive and laid back, which was great. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The place was very dusty and the environment was very dry. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Very positive and maid back. Great for artists. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I would spend the first half of my shifts tending to customers around the store, stocking art supplies, and other tasks; then I would be behind cash in the second half.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Working with likeable coworkers and actually enjoying my job, within my view of interest, art.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Sometimes an influx of customers and the small store can get very packed.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Very cool, calm, and chill. As long as we follow the rules, and are respectful, it's a good job.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I'm scheduled in a certain department, and occasionally I switch over ether once of twice, depending how many the store has working on that particular day.

My overall experience working at Above Ground was memorable and fun but only because of the retail team whom are great and the customers who are so interesting to talk to. The problem arises with the management and the fact that they hire people without telling you you’re seasonal and then fire you out of no where right before your probation ends. They have done this multiple times. The level of responsibility you have is not met by the pay you’re receiving and the stress levels are high from management. Made a lot of great friends there and in that way I loved it, but overall was not a healthy work environment. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Great place to work. Everyone is friendly and helpful. Great Team effort.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
There's nothing.. it depends on you as a person. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Artsy .. a lot of different people with different styles, culture and orientation

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
When I work there. tart my day by signing in. Grabbing orders and getting to work

Retail staff are treated as being extremely replaceable and are even told such. No respect or acknowledgement is shown to even long working staff. Hardworking staff get fired at what seems like almost random with no explanation, even ones who have been working with the company for quite a while. The retail staff are nice to work with, but you will watch your co-workers be fired again and again. 

You will see your co-workers come and go within a matter of days or weeks. Went through a period where staff would not last for more than two weeks. Those that manage to last without being fired/quitting will not be appreciated for their work or paid for the amount of manual labour the positions require. Co-workers are kind and friendly with a collaborative work environment. 

Pay is not great for the amount of knowledge required for working here. 
You can tell the company doesn’t care about art and they’re just in it for the money. The coworkers are great and cool people to hang out with. However the working conditions are extremely unsafe, you’ll be lifting heavy boxes all day and wrecking your body for minimum wage.

Great temporary place to work at. The pay is decent but there is no room for advancement after a certain point especially if you are working at the warehouse. Basic warehouse work, picking, packing, shipping, receiving. If you are an artist the benefit is that you get good discounts on products.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Customer service representative 3 salaries reported	$19.50 per hour
Assistant store manager 1 salary reported	$58,092 per year
Store manager 3 salaries reported	$52,500 per year
Retail sales associate 4 salaries reported	$17.60 per hour
Graphic designer 2 salaries reported	$47,500 per year

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