Toxic Culture - Associate Merchant Ace Hardware Employee Review

1.0
27 Aug 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The pay and bonuses are great, almost too great. The people at corporate are padding their pockets off of the hard work of the independent retailers. The retirement plan is excellent as well as the health plan and dental.

Cons

The culture promotes "who you know" rather than "what you do". Many outstanding employees are often overlooked for opportunities because the preference of management is to promote their friends or people they know. On a daily basis, it feels very much like a 'good ol' boys club' and the work environment has an 'animal house' feel to it. It is very cliquey like you were in a glorified high school and they do not do a good job making 'outcasts' feel welcome and accepted unless you are lucky enough to be indoctrinated into the "club"; which usually involves drinking at after work events. Lots of practical jokes and off-color language daily makes more people than they think uncomfortable. There is a real lack of training, especially formal training on the systems and processes. Lots of training is word of mouth, and can vary by department based on who is doing the training.

Explore other reviews about Ace Hardware

5.0
17 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Very good place to work

Cons

None at all very nice place

1.0
23 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There are not too many.

Cons

Long hours; indefinite out times; no flexibility; poor communication; lack of respect for warehouse worker is built into the culture; toxic environment with petty politics and high school type drama; rules applied based on convenience and like ability and not job performance; office management is out of touch with the warehouse environment and work processes, this means implanted solutions are usually underwhelming and off track; continued feedback is requested and given but those issues are ignored over and over. Responses are band aids at best and flagrant disregard is more likely. No planning for busy season- WHERE IS THE BENCHMARKING?!; understaffed, under resourced, and over managed (with about 3 more layers of middle management than is needed). The environment is dirty, not temp controlled, warehouse staff is expected to housekeep in addition to the actual job. This job is incentive based and NOTHING is valued but faster- until you make a mistake and then you’re reminded about safety and quality.

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