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Columbia Sportswear

Engaged Employer

"Okay" part-time job for students - Retail Sales Associate Columbia Sportswear Employee Review

1.0
Nov 19, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexible Schedule Great co-workers (mostly) Great for meeting people

Cons

There is a serious lack of communication between management, which leads to confusion among employees. Whether this involves promotions, product information, or updates. Lying and miscommunication from store management is very common. Store management and corporate makes it very clear they’re not concerned with the well being of their employees, or with the stores appearance. When corporate management was told by a supervisor that an employee deserved a raise, due too the extra work that employee put in, they said that, doing the extra work is called “helping out.” Hard working employees are typically looked over and not appreciated. Many times the employees who do the least amount of work get praised. Employees have been questioned after completing a task and asked to do it again out of distrust. No respect or leadership is shown from management yet respect is demanded from employees. It’s impossible to get fired here even if you refuse to do your job, damage store property, or speak unkind to store management. When serious issues are expressed to management, nothing is done about it. When issues are expressed to HR, still nothing is done. Employees have witnessed management not calling police when merchandise is stolen. There is a serious lack of morale.

Explore other reviews about Columbia Sportswear

5.0
Jul 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Positive environment, great training, pride in products and technology.

Cons

Seasonal employees get "up to 25 hours" but I have only been scheduled up to 15 hours a week.

1.0
May 31, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pay is above industry standard

Cons

Columbia has the most toxic work culture of anywhere I have ever worked. Employees live in fear of being fired for the slightest transgression. The company makes it known from day one that they are constantly watching you. Other co-workers will report you for taking too long in the restroom. Managers are expected to sell their souls for thier stores. I was reprimanded for telling my staff that I have a life outside of work. I was expected to essentially be on call 24/7 and instructed to tell my team what time I eat dinner with my wife if I did not want to be contacted then and only then. You will be given a barebones payroll budget and expected to operate a store as if you had 10x the employees on staff at all times. You will have absolutely zero work/life balance working for this company. When District/Regional managers, or any coporate partners visit you will be expected to work unlimited overtime with no recognition for your efforts. Do yourself a favor and stay as far away from this company as you can.

1
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Columbia Sportswear Response
1mo
Thank you for providing your feedback. We take all compliance concerns seriously and encourage you to report your concern if you feel there has been a violation of law. To do so, please write to ethicsandcompliance@columbia.com. Compliance concerns raised in good faith are promptly investigated. Thank you for helping us uphold our commitment to doing the right thing.
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