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Ocean State Job Lot

Engaged Employer

Ocean State Job Lot reviews

2.9

38% would recommend to a friend

(932 total reviews)
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Marc Perlman

35% approve of CEO

36% positive business outlook

Ocean State Job Lot has an employee rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars, based on 932 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average working experience there. The Ocean State Job Lot employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Retail & Wholesale industry (3.4 stars).

Reviews by job title

932 reviews
3.0
May 10, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great co-workers; nice second income.

Cons

When management is constantly being beaten up over budgeted hours, this leaves the workforce low. Not being allowed to add any new hires meant that there was no 'melting pot' to call upon when someone called out leaving the remaining staff trying to carry the extra workload. Many evening (and sometimes morning) shifts were run with as few as 3 staff meaning MODs were run ragged with carry outs; carriage collections; assisting customers; recovery; returns; covering breaks and the annoying bathroom babysitting duties when customers asked! So much time was being focused on Insider sign-ups and we were being indirectly 'threatened' if we didn't get more customers to sign up, yet corporate never seemed to penalize the stores who had the fictitious sign-ups (oh yes, they happen!! We've had customers who were signed up at a different store even though they have NO email!!) These are the lengths some stores go to in an effort to avoid getting thrashed on the weekly conference chat with the top dogs!

2.0
Sep 1, 2017

Front End Supervisor

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Mostly good experiences with direct managers and co-workers. The scheduling of working shifts is done as best as possible to accommodate employee needs. Great opportunity for employees first job to gain experience.

Cons

Pay for part time workers which almost all are seem to be either only minimum wage or slightly above regardless of your position, experience or talent. Pressure to push Insider Club cards and/or donations a little unreasonable making workers feel pressure when they are following company policies.

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Ocean State Job Lot Response
8y
Thank you, we are a little confused and it appears we have opportunity with communicating our compensation philosophy. We do give raises for additional responsibility and we also pay extra to those who perform well. Would love to understand your particular situation. Please call the office and ask for HR. We welcome the conversation.
1.0
Aug 25, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The people I worked with, who knew me by face and not as just an employee number.

Cons

Horrible company to work for. But I figure if you are like me you will not rely on this review and need to find out the hard way. But the good news is if you do accept the job you won't have to work there for too long. You'll either get fired or get fed-up and quit. The fastest turn around I've ever witnessed. Ofcourse I assume that's their game plan anyway? Maybe something to do with not having to raise salaries? Or perhaps they believe newly hires are fresh and work harder. Whatever their reason it's what's happening there and trust me you will need to work hard there because they are always understaffed. Because...guess why? They've all either been fired or quit. Surprisingly I worked there for about two years and maybe only a handful (if that) employees remain. Employer of choice? Ha! Sure if like your employer to treat you like you're in middle school? They have all these rules that are way outdated. Even the managers and supervisors are embarrassed to have to enforce them. So much paperwork!! Save some trees! And they make sure to find reasons to write you up so that when they're done using you they have documentation. The saddest part is they fire even the best employees. They really don't distinguish between a valuable one and one who's not because they don't know you; corporate is the one who makes all the decisions. Even if you are cheated by a customer. Literally stolen from and your drawer is short and you've explained what happened...the moment it happens and it's on camera still doesn't matter?! Even if you are consistently getting the most donations and insider cards. Get compliments from customers for great service and never call out yet work extra whenever called into work? Do all the things that most employers value and consider outstanding? Even when you know management likes you and hates to fire you? But like I said, it's coming from corporate not immediate management. So I'm not throwing anyone under the bus here. Just calling a spade a spade. And unfortunately, I witnessed this over and over again with so many excellent hardworking employees. So yeah, not worth the time or effort you put into working there. Might as well work where you are valued. I wished I had paid closer attention to the more authentic reviews on here and not the "rainbows and unicorn" spam coming from the corporate office. I really hope my very honest review helps someone not to waste their time working there. Time is precious, better to spend it where you are truly valued and where your hard work and efforts will lead you to something positive.

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Ocean State Job Lot Response
8y
Thank you for the feedback. We are also very proud of the over 230 associates who have taken the time to share candid, actionable feedback. Unfortunately, there are times when the experience is not a good one. We would love to speak with you and better understand if there is leadership issues that we can address. Please call our Director of Stores at 401-295-2672. We are always listening. A company cannot win a Best Employer award from Forbes if this type of experience happens on a regular basis. Thank you again for taking the time...
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Glassdoor has 960 Ocean State Job Lot reviews submitted anonymously by Ocean State Job Lot employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Ocean State Job Lot is right for you.