- The entire internal structure of the company is disastrous. Where do I even start. The internal system is very confusing to use and is designed and implemented in house with terrible user interface, basically a bunch of poorly coded separate modules slapped together. The servers and systems break frequently that cause frustrating situations, especially for those working in retail and are facing customers when these kinds of things happen (and they happen ALOT). Stock for products is always inaccurate, the company is always on credit hold with vendors so even a resupply of high selling SKUs are always delayed and wrong ETA's are given out. If you are in retail all these types of stock issues trickle down to your customer and you will be the one having to face them when you were given false information but you are only the messenger.
- Communication between head office and retail is very limited and fragmented. Everything is done through email and almost always has to go through a chain of people before it gets to someone relevant to the problem or situation. As an example, say you are a sales rep waiting for an ETA for a special order item for your customer and you would like to contact the product manager who ordered the product for you. No, you cannot just directly email him or her, you email your supervisor which then probably goes to the retail manager, which then finally gets to your product manager. On top of that they will not give a reply right away, as there is obvious disparity and animosity between retail and head office staff.
- Do not expect career growth within this company. It is very hard to move up and you will most likely move laterally instead of upwards. Upper management and higher paying positions are usually given to those who are family related or family friends. I
- You will feel very alienated if you do not speak Cantonese or Mandarin. A lot of the employee's are Chinese and speak little English or choose not to, especially at head office. They are oblivious and don't make the effort to speak English infront of non Chinese speakers.