Department Manager - Department Manager Old Navy Employee Review

1.0
3 Dec 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great discount, very fast-paced environment, some opportunity for growth and/or relocation. Great experience managing a lot of varying ages and personality types.

Cons

Horrible, horrible pay, toxic environment, unstable schedule, virtually no payroll, ridiculous expectations, non-stop off-the-clock communication from the district regarding sales, etc. It's like being on call 24/7. This is a very thankless job and you have to be a self-motivator to glean even the slightest satisfaction from your job. Trying to move on to other retailers is proving to be difficult - specialty retailers view Old Navy as big box & think your experience is only transactional, big box retailers view Old Navy as specialty and think they don't provide you with the business acumen to handle real high volume. Catch 22. Seriously, the pay is so much lower than the rest of the retail industry. This would be a great opportunity for someone just starting a management career, you don't know any better. But if you have retail management experience, run!

Explore other reviews about Old Navy

5.0
24 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Coworkers are definitely the biggest Pro.

Cons

Hours cut make getting task completed impossible.

2.0
26 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You might meet some lifelong friends! Long tenure if you are willing to give up everything to try to be a successful employee Good EAP program for short term intensive therapy…

Cons

Public criticism, condescending communication, inconsistent accountability, and fear-based management styles became increasingly common. Feedback often felt reactive rather than constructive, and many employees did not feel psychologically safe speaking openly about concerns. There was also a significant lack of consistency between leaders and stores. Expectations changed constantly, communication was often unclear, and favoritism sometimes impacted accountability and decision-making. Long-term employees who consistently stepped up during difficult periods often felt taken for granted rather than appreciated. Reporting to HR will get you no where. You will be gaslit if you choose to speak up.

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