Overall Reviews at Indigo Books & Music Inc.
3.0
Focus on sales
Because of the nature of the industry there is an intense focus on floor sales. A lot of work with the public. Could be very busy at times. Must have good communication skills.
5.0
Positive and Fun Workplace
Employed here throughout school and seasonally; incredibly positive atmosphere that allows you to develop many necessary skills. Able to exercise marketing and promoting skills learned from degree. Flexible scheduling.
3.0
Room to Grow
Overall enjoyed my time with Indigo, staff were great to work with and customers were easy to please and get along with. It still stands as one of my favourite jobs.
ConsManagement changes extremely frequently
1.0
Started out good, now I will Quit
I am a current employee in Shorthills I absolutely detest this job now because management makes it unbearable. They do not treat employees fairly and will try to belittle you in front of customers, not all of the managers act this way. There are a couple who are great but they aren’t around enough. This job was wonderful when I first started it really seemed like a team effort but many people quit due to lack of hours, some employees including myself only receive 8 hours a month!
5.0
Customer Service Representative |
Miami, OK | Dec 15, 2017
Excellent work environment with positive co workers
Amazing atmosphere with wonderfully amazing people! Everyday was very fun and positive when working there. The owners, management and coworkers were very energetic, caring and great to work with.
5.0
Inspiring and strong work place.
Chapters and Indigo was a wonderful environment. I've learned strong customer service skills, as well as dealing with difficult or fast paced situations. The staff and managers are a joy to work with, and were more than helpful when I first started working at Chapters. I enjoyed the strength of the communication between everyone.
ProsWonderful staff, inspiring enviroment.
ConsI wished for more hours.
2.0
Easy work, no advancement
I did part time work stocking shelves. Good for students, do not expect to move up. I had very few anr very inconsistent hours. Not much of events, you just show up and leave.
ProsEasy work
ConsLow pay, no advancement, low hours
4.0
Great place in Thunder Bay
This is a great environment to work in because of the people. It is a family feeling with fellow staff and everyone is very passionate and committed to their supporting each other.
3.0
Depends on the team
Some managers were amazing, and really keen on having a motivated team. Others were rude, condescending, & blamed part-time staff for their mistakes, or lack of interested in being in the store.
Conslots of pressure for little pay
4.0
An upscale Bookstore and Cultural Lifestyle retailer
As a Customer Experience Representative the majority of my time is spent assisting customers on the sales floor and running the cash register. For a 6 week period while our Assistant Manager managed another location, I was responsible for maintaining the Gift and Paper departments according to the Corporate planogram. While I still assist in Paper and Gift as needed, I have recently begun assessing sales trends in the Business and Science sections, ordering titles to suit our market and clientele, and have had very promising results.
1.0
Customer Service Associate / Cashier |
Edmonton, AB | Aug 24, 2020
Toxic leadership team
The first couple of years working for Indigo were amazing. Unfortunately there was a drastic shift in the management team. It started with a manager who thought ‘you can’t learn anything from books’ and ended with one who made very damaging statements about my mental health. There’s job security but in my five years their only two people were promoted from within. The only guidance I would receive was being told that my priorities were wrong (without being told what my priorities should be.
5.0
Seasonal Experience
I worked during Christmas season as a part timer. What I learned and the people I met on the job was a great experience. What made my experience great was because my managers cared for their team and even higher ups will visit without you even knowing pretending to be a customer to test your current skills and provide feedback on where you can improve.
ProsTeamwork and Team Spirit
ConsHigh Stress during holiday season
4.0
Perfect Fit for Customer Service-Oriented Folks
My customer service skills were enhanced from working at Chapters. Simply because the customer and I would share a common passion for books.
The hardest part of the job would be helping a customer find "that blue book" or "the book about that dog." When unsuccessful, suggesting a book within the specific subject would leave the customer feel appreciated. Going that extra mile is something I enjoyed doing.
4.0
A great company, with management of a slightly different standard.
Chapters-Indigo is a great company to work for that does a lot of good across the country. A great job that is relatively stress free by most accounts.
The issues are localised to certain stores, not all across Canada, such is the case in the location where I was employed. The management at my particular store often played favourites and would hold some people to a different standard than others, making it uncomfortable to go to the managers if you had a complaint or an issue. The communication in this store was also lacking, as important information or ideas were not shared or expressed in a desired manner.
2.0
The only upside is the discount on books, but trust me, it's not worth it
If you want belligerent managers, horrible work-life balance, and the occasional $25-$50 gift card, and ONLY that gift card, as a "bonus," then look no further! But be careful, if you apply to the wrong team, you'll either get blatant favoritism from managers or you'll be stuck in a position with no opportunity for growth, dismissal of ideas/problems, and absolutely no recognition for your work.
You MIGHT, however, end up meeting some of the best people and trauma bond over this experience with them, so that's a plus.
ProsDiscount on books and you can occasionally borrow hard-covers like a library
ConsLong hours, no recognition, favoritism, no opportunity for growth
4.0
Forward thinking and innovative retailer
On the whole a great company that allows a balance of career opportunity and development and work life balance. High caliber of staff and leadership through out the organization.
4.0
Good start for non-retail employees
I enjoyed my time with the company. My only criticism is that the CEO has loose standards that often confuse her managers & staff, making it difficult for stores to communicate effectively on certain trade or sale standards, something that causes confusion and is detrimental to healthy sales and morale. Other than that, I found everything to be fairly straightforward and safe to ask questions within my environment. Store 739 is the best store!
ProsGood breaks/Easy work environment
ConsHard to balance with a school life
