Employees viewed as a 'necessary evil' - First Assistant Manager Big 5 Sporting Goods Employee Review

No wage or salary negotiation. No employee initiative, creativity, or empowerment. Very little Employee input is not considered when making decisions. Poor quality products. Poor employee discount. Anti technology. Poor training programs for both employees and managers. Very little opportunity for advancement and/or raises and promotions. Little employee and customer trust (bag checks, video review of policy, large bills (over $20) must be checked by manager or very experienced cashier). Out of date grooming standards (only facial hair allowed is mustache) and dress code (tie required). The company believes a shirt and tie give more credibility to the salespeople, but they are not willing to invest time into actually training the employees in customer service and product knowledge, it is very much an after thought.