Fine until it all went to hell in a handbasket - Art Director/Design Director Ralph Lauren Employee Review

3.0
Jan 22, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Brand caché. Everyone has heard of it - reads great on the resumé. Lots of history to work with. Some really talented coworkers, and a broad network of ex-coworkers throughout the city as a result. Opportunity to shift role/department if you find the right advocates. Promoted 3x in 5.5 years. Full 401K plan match. Retention stock bonuses possible.

Cons

Slow to adapt to new ideas, processes, technology. Year-end bonuses range from 1-3%, if you get one at all. Hangers-on from the good ole days dragged down the company, wasted time and money (decorated their apartments on corporate CCs, etc.) Ultimately, this lead to several rounds of brutal layoffs that still continued after I left (of my own accord). Truly devastating to sit through. Lots of young talent asked to leave the company in the interest of keeping nonproductive executives. The continued involvement of the family in the company is questionable, especially in the marketing department. Again, a lot of time and money is wasted on egos and self-referential ideas. Nothing truly innovative. Very much a "boys club" in the creative teams (advertising, web) and especially the editorial team.

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Ralph Lauren Response
7y
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Explore other reviews about Ralph Lauren

5.0
May 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Employees enjoy comprehensive welfare programs and a generally favorable working environment.

Cons

The decision-making process can be overly top-down, often disregarding the professional dignity of the employees.

5.0
Mar 12, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I was retired for years from my Corporate job. Decided that I wanted a part time job to get out of the house. This was my “Happy Place”. Never had a job that I loved so much. Worked hard, had the best customers (loyal) co workers. I learned so much about fashion and dressing different body types. I’ve been in different stores since I left as a customer buying myself clothes. Several ladies came up to me to ask how I am doing this! You’re wonderful at putting things together. I actually helped them put together wardrobes from what I learned. I felt an immense proudness working for RL. I still do. My managers were great and wouldn’t ask you to do anything they wouldn’t. Best of all is the discounts. After almost 5 years of working there, I realized it cost me money to work there. Lol. I’m a clothes nut. I never ever left a shift without a brown paper bag with a Polo Horse on it.

Cons

Some employees are very cut throat about individual sales. We were NOT on commission. Some employees just need to calm down and realize that we work as a team. Most do, but a few bad apples. Not much.

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