Pros
Fast-paced, challenging environment Sports industry International company that continues to grow and flourish Promoted quickly Ability to create product that thousands will wear with pride
Cons
Average retail complaints, lots of misprioritization, more reactive than proactive Outdated systems, inefficient processes. Management insists that systems and processes aren't an issue, yet you spend half your time battling the restraints of the systems and processes. The other half of your job is working to help make every other department's job easier. Instead of management being a coach and developing our ideas and trusting a buyer's instinct they dictate what and how much you should buy. Paid way below industry standards. Salary is as much as an assistant at other companies and less than a manager at JCREW at the outlet mall, yet you manage the entire e-com catalog for a major professional sports league. On a positive note, you get to watch ESPN during the day. Growth and career path are pretty stagnant once you reach Buyer/Planner level. Hours range from 40 -? You are expected to have e-mail on your phone and reply on nights, early mornings and weekends. Can you call it vacation if you have to pack your laptop? Coworkers are passionate and enthusiastic about the sports and the apparel industry. Secret opportunities and department culture causes them to be more of your competition than an actual teammate.