Challenges vs Rewards - Assistant Store Manager Michaels Employee Review

4.0
Jul 18, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It is a fast paced retail environment, constantly changing with the seasons. Our customers are generally friendly, and are shopping for their pleasure, not because they have to, which makes them a little easier to please. The stores are not difficult to operate, and the groundwork has been laid out clearly as to how to perform each job function within the stores. If you are a full time associate, the benefits are comparable to other retailers. There are benefits available to part time as well. It is generally a fun atmosphere, though working hard is necessesary most of the time.

Cons

For someone just off the street, the best you could hope for is a minimum wage, less than 20 hours a week, 'job'. As to working in any store, the way your store operates is still largely influenced by your store manager, and thusly, the district manager. If they, as a team, are truly engaged in the corporate direction, the stores run well. If either fails to live up to their part, the store suffers as a result, as do the employees. Sadly, I have seen this in my district as well as others in the company. Long hours to pick up the slack by management is common.

Explore other reviews about Michaels

5.0
Feb 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Had a really lovely recruiter w/ clear email communication back and forth. Process was a phone screen followed by an interview.

Cons

Interviewers were slightly late to the interview. Lots of technical questions, no leetcode style ones though.

2.0
Jun 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Some great co-workers, employee discount, on site office benefits including a gym and cafe for breakfast/lunch, full suite of employee benefits at reasonable prices

Cons

Ridiculous amount of stress. Retail in general is often stressful but the amount of stress at Michaels is unnecessary and over the top. Constant last-minute changes by leadership to creative, promotions, products, and any other kind of changes. Things will be finalized and signed off on and delivered, and somebody will make a change at the last minute and things are constantly having to be redone. People are worn down and worn out. It’s the highest turnover rate of any place I’ve worked in retail at the corporate office. I’ve seen people take jobs and be gone within weeks. Leadership in some departments are extremely micromanaging and controlling even with employees that are tenured and have multiple years of experience. The stress level for both tenured and new employees is very high. Projects get discussed over and over and over again, decisions are made and then revisited again after decisions were made making delivery late and causing people to work unnecessarily in order to fix things that could’ve been done correctly the first time. The company tries really hard to make the workplace fun and offer activities, motivation, and incentives. Unfortunately they don’t offset what the environment is like working inside with some of the teams and expectations to actually deliver the work. Would not recommend.

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