I turned in my notice

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

There's only so much you can cut back before customers just won't go there anymore.

Yup. When you follow Walmart's business practices, eventually people will view you the same way they do Walmart; a dismal place to shop that doesn't care about its employees.

[workerbee222]

I decided not to return to one chain store in part because of issues like this. The manager of the store had less and less to do with actual running the store, and more and more implementing company policy. Corporate was even scheduling the sales staff. As seamstresses, we were supposed to document how we spent our work day: so much time allowed for each specific sewing task, answering the phone, customer consultations on the floor, etc. There was a limit, even, to how much non-sew time we performed each week. I asked our assistant manager how much time we should record for recording our time on various tasks. She was not amused.

[notalwaysright]

Yup. When you follow Walmart's business practices, eventually people will view you the same way they do Walmart; a dismal place to shop that doesn't care about its employees.

Yeah, it's bad. The SM scheduled just two cutters from 9-5:30. Last year we had four cutters mid-week. One started at 8:45, one at 10:00, one at 12:00, and one at 2:00. So she could be doing a better job scheduling, but she just isn't. Also, she sees nothing wrong with how she's doing, even though every other manager in the store is on the verge of quitting.

I probably wouldn't shop at own store, is that sad or what? When I lived in a different town I tried to shop at the local store... I was making a petticoat, and was buying petticoat netting. The cutter tried to talk me out of it, it was difficult to buy the product that I knew I wanted.

Her: Oh, you don't want this, you want the normal tulle!
Me: Thanks, but I'm actually making a petticoat, so I want this netting.
Her: Let me show you, most people don't want that stuff, they want the tulle.
Me: I know what tulle is, I have worked for Fabric Store before, I'm positive I have the right netting.

[XCashier]

... I was making a petticoat, and was buying petticoat netting. The cutter tried to talk me out of it, it was difficult to buy the product that I knew I wanted.

If someone is buying fabric that is all wrong for their project, I will speak up. For instance, one customer wanted to make a medieval costume...with paisley printed quilting calico. Not only is it not period, it's totally the wrong weight and won't sit right. I told her that the clothing of that time was primarily linen or wool, that the fabrics she chose weren't period. "Oh, it'll be fine," she dismissed my suggestions. Oh well, if she wants to end up in the next publication of Bad Garb, let her.

In your case, it's the opposite; you actually knew what you were doing and the cutter didn't.

[Catwoman2965]

Good for you! I know when I quit my PT retail job after almost 10 years it was SUCH a huge weight off me. I hadn't realized how burnt out I was. I'm MUCH happier now.

[chimera]

Yeah, it's bad. The SM scheduled just two cutters from 9-5:30. Last year we had four cutters mid-week. One started at 8:45, one at 10:00, one at 12:00, and one at 2:00. So she could be doing a better job scheduling, but she just isn't. g.

During the week, we oftentimes only have one cutter from about 10-5. I don't know how those ladies do it! We're one of the bigger stores, too. The stockroom is filled to the brim despite everyone busting butt to get stuff out. Our manager is being told to hire more people AND keep a tight leash on payroll.

Maybe we would have steadier business if our strategy wasn't: price everything at least double MSRP, then sometimes offer 25%-60% off of that. Prices are so high on seasonal and decor items that they have to go clearance before they even approach what most people would consider fair. Why play this stupid game?