I worked at an Express store in Cherry Hill, NJ from October 2008 until August of 2009. It was the absolute worst working experience I've ever had. From the very first day, the managers and other employees did a horrible job with training (even though it doesn't take much knowledge to do this job). As far as management goes, they were condescending and did not treat everyone equally. You were only treated fairly if you looked like the Express models. Another issue I had was with a female manager. I was on register ringing up customers and she was next to me doing the same. She was talking to a customer and she said that it was "such a shame" that someone she knew bought size "large" shirts at Express. I found this incredibly offensive, ignorant and rude. I wear a large in most of Express's tops and she had the nerve to say this right next to me. How can somebody be so ignorant and judgmental and be in a management position? Another major issue I had was with an employee meeting. I had told a manager as soon as the note was posted that we had a meeting (on a sunday) that I had a memorial mass for my grandmother that same day and that I would not be able to attend the meeting because of this mass. The manager told me that it was no excuse and that "other people are missing mass so you're no exception". I was appalled by this behavior and their expectations. When I was written up they had claimed that last minute I skipped the meeting and did not give enough notice or had a good enough excuse. After a while the General Manager started harassing me. He told me that I didn't "look like" I should work there (although nearly all of my clothes came from the store), that I didn't "walk right", that I needed to "do something about my face", that customers find me "unattractive and unappealing to even ask for help or come up to me". I don't see why he had the right to say this because I have had 5 years experience working with customers (I worked at two different movie theaters where customer service was a huge part of my job and I was told by my superiors and customers that I did an excellent job with this). I feel that I made customers comfortable to approach me and I was very helpful and knowledgeable about the stores product (especially since I shopped there before I started working there). The GM eventually "demoted" me to work in the stockroom because I didn't "have the Express look", which is BS because I shop there for a lot of myclothes. Although, I didn't mind working in the stockroom until I found a new job. There were many times when he brought me to tears on the floor in front of customers because he was yelling at me when I was doing everything I could to do my job As far as other employees go, like I said there were cliques and groups. I felt un-accepted and uncomfortable around my coworkers. There was one instance where an employee referred to me in front of customers and other employees as "that fat b****". There were many times when I was shopping for clothes for myself and certain coworkers in the dressing room told me that I looked horrible in what I was trying on. I had a friend (who I have known since I was about 2 or 3 years old) who also got a job at Express a few weeks after me. I feel that the GM had targeted her and I as subjects of harassment. There have been times when my friend was sent home because her outfit "did not reflect the express look", when she was clearly wearing multiple pieces from the store. There were also multiple occasions where I had customers come up to complain to me, in the front of the store, because they had seen the GM yelling at her and making her cry in front of customers in the middle of the floor. I dealt with this unfair treatment for 10 months until I found another job. I would never recommend for anyone to work here. Unless you look like an Express model, you will not be treated fairly or with respect. Comments (2) RSS comments 1. Written by Pissed consumer, on [protected]:30 I currently work at Express and I also must say that the Managers are very bias. The people whom they like get the best of everything and NEVER get written up. Another bad thing about working at Express are the hours. I NEVER LEAVE ON TIME!!! They schedule you basically no hours and then when you want to leave on time they get an attitude and get mad at you for following the schedule. I appreciate my job to the fullest, but theManagers really need some more training. I never had any formal training when I started either. They give you a board and tell you to find your way. Report 2. Written by ddll1025, on [protected]:01 I'd also like to add that management, especially the GM, forced employees to bombard the customers as soon as they walked into the store. This makes customers feel uncomfortable and less willing to shop in the store again. I refused to treat customers this way and simply offered my help when they walked into the store, once more if they were browsing for a long time and when they left thanked them and said to have a nice day. This was not enough for the GM. He wanted us to follow the customers around, put together outfits for them without having them ask. One time two young men (in their 20's) walked into the store. As soon as they walked in I said "Hi how are you guy's doing?" They smiled and responded and I let them shop in peace. They looked like they were having trouble picking out ties and button up shirts so I asked them if i could help with anything. I showed them some shirt and tie combinations with different colors, they thanked me for my help and they proceeded to choose one of the combos I helped them with. As soon as I walked over to the front to wait to greet more customers the GM comes over to me and yells loudly at me that I am not doing my job. He goes over to the two young men and says "Listen, SHE (points to me) isn't doing her job so if you need help make sure you ask me or someone else". It was extremely embarrassing and the customers looked like they were extremely uncomfortable. The customers even came up to me and said that I was doing a good job and thanks alot for my help