sales associate

retail sales associate

lead associate

retail store manager

assistant store manager

New Balance

I worked at new balance for a long time, learning about the footwear technology and getting to interact with guests was great. At first, I really enjoyed it but as time went on the fake friendliness wore off. The management team with the exception of one tall man (who was the best team lead i've had) was very immature, quite obviously played favorites, and were just mean making you feel bad about yourself if you didn't meet their goals (going far past constructive criticism to personally attacking). Also, I found that all management except one as stated before LOVED to gossip about the sales associates (who was a bad worker, who was doing what with who, general gossip) which is extremely inappropriate considering their position in the company and the age difference between everyone. finally, the store manager encourages an extremely aggressive approach to sales leaving costumers feeling like their in an awkward position being forced to buy products and or being guilted when they don't. It is one thing to promote a product/ upsell but it is another when costumers come back to return items later on in the day and say "I am returning this because ______ sold this to me and I felt uncomfortable saying no because of how persistent and clingy they were being".

I learned a lot about customer service during my time at New Balance. The store location was Bayview Village mall therefore I had to manage difficult customers from time to time. The management made the training period for the job very easy and understandable. Everyone in this work environment, including my co-workers and I, were welcoming and kind to all customers and new members of the team. The work place was very productive as we had to meet a sales quota by the end of each day per person. I learned to organize incoming deliveries as well as improved my skills in sales. The most enjoyable part of the job was being able to match customers with useful information as every shoe was unique to their concerns. Providing the wrong type of shoe could result in serious damage to their joints during exercise, therefore it was very important to pay attention during training and learn every aspect of each type of shoe provided by the company.

Management is disorganized and heavily dependent on favoritism. If the general store manager doesn’t like you, it can influence how the rest of the team treats you. Feedback tends to focus on vague or unclear issues rather than specific, actionable guidance, which makes expectations difficult to understand. Instead of developing employees, it often feels like management looks for reasons to replace them.

Despite performance or contributions, employees are made to feel easily replaceable. The high turnover reflects this, with frequent hiring cycles every few months rather than efforts to retain and grow staff. This creates a revolving-door environment where job stability and support are limited.

Overall, the workplace culture is discouraging due to inconsistent leadership and lack of meaningful employee development.

The work place is very diverse which is nice to see. A typical day would entail helping fit customers to the shoe or insole that is best for them. Any down time during the day would be used to maintain cleanliness of the store or dealing with issues behind the scenes depending on your role at the store. Management during my time there was amazing, I felt comfortable approaching any person in management with any issue. The hardest part was when the store would get uncontrollably busy. However, they did an excellent job  in preparation for times like Black Friday, or Boxing day so it wasn’t as difficult on employees. All around great place to work. I would highly recommend applying if you notice they are hiring!

What is the best part of working at the company?
Best company I have EVER worked for.  They treat all employees like family.  Work/life harmony is the best and your personal well-being is top priority. Amazing company. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
It’s retail - need I say more. 
Consumers are who they are and unfortunately don’t always respect us. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Generally it is great.  You have the odd days that can be frustrating but overall the culture is healthy and happy. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Typical in retail - LOL
It’s a new experience every day but that one consumer that appreciates you can make your day.

At first you learn a lot about the technology, learn how to watch people to walk and guide them from there. Liked the customers and some of the people I met. In the beginning it was good, you are talked to well and with respect but I found the Store Manager is hot and cold depending on who you are.

If you are liked then you get better treated. I found the work culture got worse after three months. The work load was divided up by if who the keys wanted to work with. 

Eventually left on good terms but honestly worst place I have worked in retail and it is too bad there are not a lot more reviews on this company as there are a lot of unsaid things that should be followed through.

Enjoyed showing up to work everyday and performing day to day activities. Started with checking budgets/sales from previous day and for the day ahead, write up planner and organize priorities for the day, ensure everything is clean and tidy before opening up the store, customer service, stock management, refilling when necessary, ensuring all day to day procedures and targets are accomplished. I learned how to effectively manage a store and how to ensure things run smoothly through out the day. I learned leadership skills and how to run a team. I improved on my customer service and handling complains, queries and objections. Each store had a different culture.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Co workers are fun. and owner gives out perks to staff for doing a good job. I'm a past employee. 
DM  never around, no one checks  in on stores. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
 Very little support when you have a issue.
Customers are very demanding. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Little slow, but all in all very relaxed 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Sell, talk sell,  unload stock.

As brand marketing specialist I deal with:
- All Public Relations for New Balance Canada. Including managing PR agencies, magazine and TV coverage, etc.
- Social media - Instagram/ facebook/ twitter/ youtube
- Ambassadors - make sure all ambassadors are versed on new and upcoming product. Making sure they adhere to their contracts with social posts, event activation, media inquiries to help grow the brand.
- Marketing all Lifestyle product. Creating launches, instore displays, and success for all new and upcoming lifestyle product launches.

Recently started, other workers have been nice and supportive, helping answer my questions and being kind, friendly and professional. Customers haven’t been too bad yet either but it’s retail so that can always change. Tasks and goals are simple and manageable if you’re working decently hard as well. Benefits are the biggest thing for me, I just wish I wasn’t being paid minimum wage but other than that it’s great.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Sales associate 4 salaries reported	$19.25 per hour
Retail sales associate 7 salaries reported	$17.43 per hour
Lead associate 3 salaries reported	$19.67 per hour
Retail store manager 1 salary reported	$55,000 per year
Assistant store manager 1 salary reported	$28.00 per hour

Working at New Balance: company overview and reviews

New Balance

New Balance ratings

Popular jobs at New Balance

Salary satisfaction

Job seeker tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected