1. "Everyone looks great in luon"
It's like some magical thing happens in those fitting rooms. They ask your name, what you love to do, and you think you're practically best friends with the educator by the time you get your subpar stretchies off and into the glorious black luon. And you put all your trust in your new bff, "DO these fit right? Like do they look ok?" 'GIRL! Those were made for you. Rock em. So good.'
Don't get me wrong, I loved being in the fitting room and helping women feel their best in the gear. But I also had lulu blinders on. Not everyone looks great in luon and lots of luon is still sheer. Do yourself a favor and know how fabrics should feel and fit and bend EVERY which way before buying anything, and when you LOVE it, get it! OR find some vintage lulu on eBay and buy that. The quality is worlds better than today's hodge podge.
It's like some magical thing happens in those fitting rooms. They ask your name, what you love to do, and you think you're practically best friends with the educator by the time you get your subpar stretchies off and into the glorious black luon. And you put all your trust in your new bff, "DO these fit right? Like do they look ok?" 'GIRL! Those were made for you. Rock em. So good.'
Don't get me wrong, I loved being in the fitting room and helping women feel their best in the gear. But I also had lulu blinders on. Not everyone looks great in luon and lots of luon is still sheer. Do yourself a favor and know how fabrics should feel and fit and bend EVERY which way before buying anything, and when you LOVE it, get it! OR find some vintage lulu on eBay and buy that. The quality is worlds better than today's hodge podge.
2. I CANT THINK of another word so cue the crap comments to me for saying, "it's a cult".
Disclaimer* Goals and visions and practice of leadership etc etc are GOOD, to an extent. But I'm talking about when it goes from bliss and "sweat dates" to what the huh?
The company empowers everyone, but mostly management almost too much. I recall a fear of messing up and being afraid of my leaders because I might not fit the lulu mold. They take the good parts (goals and practice of leadership) and make it more important than just being human and having a REAL conversation, between two real people. I felt like I was talking to a bunch of robots who's "intentions were to be genuine and real" but really they just say whatever is in the guidebook about personal responsibility, integrity or whatever it may be. I believe a lot of what lululemon does and teaches their employees is GOOD, but it doesn't always get interpreted or practiced that way. And I will direct you here for my thoughts on doing Landmark. One word: NOPE.
Disclaimer* Goals and visions and practice of leadership etc etc are GOOD, to an extent. But I'm talking about when it goes from bliss and "sweat dates" to what the huh?
The company empowers everyone, but mostly management almost too much. I recall a fear of messing up and being afraid of my leaders because I might not fit the lulu mold. They take the good parts (goals and practice of leadership) and make it more important than just being human and having a REAL conversation, between two real people. I felt like I was talking to a bunch of robots who's "intentions were to be genuine and real" but really they just say whatever is in the guidebook about personal responsibility, integrity or whatever it may be. I believe a lot of what lululemon does and teaches their employees is GOOD, but it doesn't always get interpreted or practiced that way. And I will direct you here for my thoughts on doing Landmark. One word: NOPE.
3. Clearing the pipeline is a thing
And it refers to getting rid of employees who no longer bring life to the store, mesh with the team or just that the manager(s) don't like. You get a slap on the wrist -warning- to fix your inadequacies, but they already know you're toast. And just like that they cut the cord, and replace you with someone else on the team or from another store. Ugh talk about walking on eggshells.
And it refers to getting rid of employees who no longer bring life to the store, mesh with the team or just that the manager(s) don't like. You get a slap on the wrist -warning- to fix your inadequacies, but they already know you're toast. And just like that they cut the cord, and replace you with someone else on the team or from another store. Ugh talk about walking on eggshells.
4. Good and Bad Apples
The good apples make you feel like you're at home every time you walk in the door and make the brand stay alive these days. They're the ones who remember your name, what you purchased, your life events and give great hugs. There are a few really great apples I've met during my 7 store "career" (SEVEN, don't tell me I haven't seen it all).
The good apples are really good, but the bad apples ruin the bunch and can be the reason you leave a company you loved. Beyond employee stuff, I know plenty of people who have had awful in-store experiences and cursed lulu forever. Those employees suck and I'm not wasting time on them. They are also the ones who probably use the lulu handbook as a guidebook for life. Seriously. These are the ones who I will never step foot in their store again because they are just not nice, and when friends want to know about getting a job there I tell them to stay far away. Because crazy kills, kids.
The good apples make you feel like you're at home every time you walk in the door and make the brand stay alive these days. They're the ones who remember your name, what you purchased, your life events and give great hugs. There are a few really great apples I've met during my 7 store "career" (SEVEN, don't tell me I haven't seen it all).
The good apples are really good, but the bad apples ruin the bunch and can be the reason you leave a company you loved. Beyond employee stuff, I know plenty of people who have had awful in-store experiences and cursed lulu forever. Those employees suck and I'm not wasting time on them. They are also the ones who probably use the lulu handbook as a guidebook for life. Seriously. These are the ones who I will never step foot in their store again because they are just not nice, and when friends want to know about getting a job there I tell them to stay far away. Because crazy kills, kids.
5. If you want to work there, act like it.Working for this company can be a total BLAST! But, sometimes they make you earn your spot. Stalk the store, go to every community event you can and act like you would be the perfect fit on that team.
6. It's the greatest place to work during Christmas.
I really don't know if thats true because I've spent many retail Christmases working at lulu. But it's fun and typically there is always a great staff treat. My first year (the best one) we had to come in extra early for a meeting only to be led around the mall by a Hershey's kiss trail to a SPA! We got pedis and coffee and crepes! It was so cute.
7. People still make you cry
Yup, even at a happy store like lulu, people can be jerks and make you cry. AMERICA, GET WITH IT. WE CAN'T CHANGE STORE POLICIES FOR YOU. SHUTUP AND MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIFE AND DONT MAKE THE PRETTY GIRL CRY. IT'S NOT EVEN HER FAULT. geesh.
8. The community is pretty legit.The ambassadors, in-store classes and sweat dates in local studios is great. It's truly an awesome thing they've done and continue to do in the community. Some are clearly stronger than others, but all in all, a great intention/cause. SWEAT, PEOPLE, SWEAT!
9. They desperately need a lulu swap.Especially for employees. SO much lulu loot and the only "legal" thing you can do is give it away. SAY WHAT? That shits expensive. And the lululemon resale market IS BONKERS. A lulu swap (bring in your old gear for a credit, or to swap with others!) would be a great alternative to the ban on employees selling old gear.
10. Not the same.
I do miss the brand I fell in love with 5 years ago. This one is good, just not the same. #stuckinthepast But I mean, if you've got a good thing, why change it?! BRING BACK VINTAGE LUON.
6. It's the greatest place to work during Christmas.
I really don't know if thats true because I've spent many retail Christmases working at lulu. But it's fun and typically there is always a great staff treat. My first year (the best one) we had to come in extra early for a meeting only to be led around the mall by a Hershey's kiss trail to a SPA! We got pedis and coffee and crepes! It was so cute.
7. People still make you cry
Yup, even at a happy store like lulu, people can be jerks and make you cry. AMERICA, GET WITH IT. WE CAN'T CHANGE STORE POLICIES FOR YOU. SHUTUP AND MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIFE AND DONT MAKE THE PRETTY GIRL CRY. IT'S NOT EVEN HER FAULT. geesh.
8. The community is pretty legit.The ambassadors, in-store classes and sweat dates in local studios is great. It's truly an awesome thing they've done and continue to do in the community. Some are clearly stronger than others, but all in all, a great intention/cause. SWEAT, PEOPLE, SWEAT!
9. They desperately need a lulu swap.Especially for employees. SO much lulu loot and the only "legal" thing you can do is give it away. SAY WHAT? That shits expensive. And the lululemon resale market IS BONKERS. A lulu swap (bring in your old gear for a credit, or to swap with others!) would be a great alternative to the ban on employees selling old gear.
10. Not the same.
I do miss the brand I fell in love with 5 years ago. This one is good, just not the same. #stuckinthepast But I mean, if you've got a good thing, why change it?! BRING BACK VINTAGE LUON.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/
http://thoughtcatalog.com/anonymous/2013/12/28-things-i-learned-while-working-for-lululemon-athletica/
