Pros
Brand equity and name recognition. Across all categories of consumer enterprises--not just within fashion--the brand is respected. Looks great on a resume. Nice offices, especially in the 601 office building with open floor plan and views of the Hudson. Some incredibly talented & kind co-workers, and a large network of former RL employees across the retail/fashion industries. Good health benefits and 401k matching (1 year to match, 3 years to fully vest) Discounts and sample sales.
Cons
Despite numerous layoffs, the company remains entirely too top heavy with high-paid opinion holders who can never align on a direction, and legacy incompetents who have lasted 20 or 30 years in their role with questionable output and $$$$ salaries. In contrast, not enough people to actually get the work done, leading to long hours and teams stretched thin. Too many business units and competing priorities mean that teams are pitted against each other rather than working in tandem towards a shared goal. Work felt like the movie 'Gladiator.' Nasty egos and attitudes abound. The company likes to tout its family ethos, but I was frequently on the receiving end of condescending, mean-spirited, and aggressive feedback despite performing well in my role. Other leaders spoke to each other this way and berated/tortured their teams. Indifferent and inept HR not empowered to improve on the above. Poorly attended employee engagement events don't make coming to work here any less miserable. Pay is extremely variable for the same title and is not transparent. Raises are easier to get when threatening to leave than for performance.
