The morale is so shattered In our stores. The speculation of ASMs being let go only adds to the 4th quarter stress. Freight flow, I’d say is crazy In most stores due to the reduction of hours. The front End is very scattered and we constantly call for backup.
The stores that are set to close are now published on my source. Here’s some insight, There’s a purging that will happen in the (not closing stores) anything N and D (aged) will be transferred to stores that are set to close. (Not sure if we will get hours for that.)
Most SWS depts are on the floor. Due to reduction in payroll. HBC/WM that was once ran by 150-200 hours is now down to under 40 hrs by a lead. In most moderate-high volume stores.
With HBC Dpts underperforming, it’s hurting the total stores sales. Most Regions I’ve came across the depts are struggling to stay afloat and this is a 10-15% Of total buisness penetration.
Any supervisors remaining are pretty much the old leads from back in the day who are overwhelmed and over worked.
Oh btw I haven’t seen any seasonal associate hrs(my speculation is that these hours will be clearance transfer hours)
I really hope the new CEO starts by putting more hours into the stores. Take care of your associates first. Then looking into the buying office and making sure we are seeking competitive merch (everything with the exception of UGG is out of date/unfashionable anymore). Definitely start Advertising, is needed In today’s retail climate.
Btw, we were set to open a store in NJ AMerican Dream mall, last I heard it was being held off. This mega mall just opened on friday, anyone from NJ that can give us any feedback if that store is programmed on the calendar to open?
Stay positive, things can either get better or worse. At the end of the day, we can’t worry about things that are out of our reach.