Pros
Although Crate&Barrel has evolved into a large company, it still frequently operates like the smaller family business it used to be. The very positive implication of this is that when an associate in good standing is having a hard time, the company is likely to allow him or her unusual flexibility to resolve the underlying difficulty. The company also is truly committed to the long-term satisfaction of its customers. In addition, Crate&Barrel takes tremendous care to obtain special and great-value merchandise for its customers.
Cons
The vast majority of senior management has been with the company 15 years or more. Thus, the workplace culture and behavior patterns -- good or bad -- are quite deeply entrenched. There is a pervasive underlying assumption that every new employee has to start a career with this company from scratch. This means that even if you were already a visual merchandiser or buyer in your last job, or if you have managed another store, you have to start your career at Crate as a sales associate in a store. This practice ensures the development of an endearing Crate-like "humbleness" among associates. However, viewed from a job-seeker's perspective, higher education and work experience garnered outside of Crate&Barrel often seem to be viewed by the company as irrelevant, or worse: it may even be regarded with suspicion.