Taking Shape Reviews

Not always given a lot of time to set up events, which meant it was some times a mad dash to pull it all together

The number one problem and the reason why I will eventually leave the company: YOU ARE THE CUSTOMER TOO. Store managers and state managers will CONSTANTLY sell you clothing. While the contract does not state that regularly buying clothing is mandatory - it absolutely is. Part time staff have very little control over hitting the stores target, yet clothing allowances are only granted if your management hits targets. This comes down to the store that you are placed at and the luck of the draw. Some stores hit the target every month and are given hundreds of dollars worth of free clothing, other stores do not achieve target at all and are left paying out of pocket for 'current' trends. If you're only working a stock shift and a few hours on the floor it is not in your control but you are punished anyway. In order to meet managements demands of wearing 'current' clothing you must purchase a full outfit every fortnight. You are not allowed to wear clothing that is on sale, you are not allowed to wear clothing that has sold out. There have been occasions where people have spent over $100 on an item of clothing only to come in for their next shift and it's on clearance and must not be worn to work again. Each store only gets about 6-8 of each item. They sell quickly and then you can't wear it to work. Really crunch the numbers before you commit to a job at TS: As a part time employee you will get about $400 per fortnight and 40% off (full priced) clothing. Go to the website and look at the 'new in' section. Put together an outfit (shirt, pants, jewellery). With the discount, you're looking at a $200 spend. THAT IS HALF YOUR PAY. If you are an existing customer that would already spend that amount at Taking Shape a fortnight and have a husband that is the breadwinner - you've found a great job. Don't expect to make a living wage here though - half your pay goes straight back to the company. There are consistent issues with staffing so despite being given a fixed roster - you will be badgered all week long with messages and calls asking you to come in. Again, if you have no commitments this is not a problem, but if you have grandchildren or children to look after it is not very practical. Like many retail jobs, there is constant pressure to upsell and ensure every customer has a loyalty card - if a customer does not want to sign up you are made to feel like you have let down the team. The constant pressure on part time staff to create miracles when they are not in charge of marketing, sourcing clothing, social media, styles or staffing is simply unfair. Many of the issues with sales come from the top (quality has declined, price has increased, limited stock and sizing), and someone working 8 hours a week unpacking stock should not be penalised for these problems.