Exploited for low pay. Avoid. - Bookseller Waterstone's Employee Review

1.0
23 Aug 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great discount. Working with books and talking to customers can be stimulating compared to most retail.

Cons

You are expected to do the job of a manager on minimum wage. The shops are understaffed and overworked. You are not allowed to complain about this, and staff are blamed as not working "smarter". I worked out that I was doing the job of seven people all at the same time. It was never enough and they always demand more through bullying threats of under performance. You are expected to work over unpaid. You are promised time in lieu but this never happens unless you press for it. The company is full of bullies or people trying to cover themselves by pushing blame on to others. If you end up in a store with any of these types you will become seriously stressed and unhappy, so my advice is look else where because chances are you will regret it.

Explore other reviews about Waterstone's

5.0
18 Feb 2024
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Nice coworkers and enjoyed the environment.

Cons

Could improve in some ways with management, but it wasn't a huge issue for me.

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Waterstone's Response
2y
We're glad you enjoyed your working experience with us. Feedback from former employees is enormously important and we are pleased to learn that your time with us proved to be so positive. Thank you HR Team
3.0
4 Aug 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

you start slow but then can grow

Cons

work level can sometimes get intense

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