Gordon and Carole Segal opened the first Crate and Barrel store in Chicago in 1962. Because they had used most of their funds to purchase stock for their store, they had to be creative with the interior of the store. The old plaster walls were covered in crating wood, the shelving units were covered in dyed burlap, and the crates and barrels the stock arrived in were overturned to become part of the shop fixtures. Therefore, the name of the store was invented. With such an interesting history, it is no surprise that so many submit Crate and Barrel applications each day.
The company developed a reputation for their unique merchandise, a lot of which was sourced from small factories and artistes in Europe. Not only was the merchandise new to the American market, because it was shipped from Europe the cost was lower, and the discounts were passed on to the customer. By developing relationships with the designers and the craftsmen, they were able to demonstrate not only each piece, but also why it was created, and how.
Since 1998, the Otto Group of Hamburg, Germany has privately owned Crate and Barrel. Today there are more than 170 stores in the US, and also has two sister stores, CB2 which is a furnishings store, and Land of Nod, which specializes in gifts and home furnishings for children. There are also stores in international locations such as Mexico City, Canada, Philippines, Russia and Singapore with plans to expand further. This creates a large number of job opportunities.
Crate and Barrel Careers
There are a number of Crate and Barrel careers regularly available, and the official website lists what Crate and Barrel jobs are open for employment. Positions could be in the stores, the contact center, corporate offices and the distribution facilities, depending on what the job entails. The official website explains how to apply for Crate and Barrel online.
Some of the positions offered are sales, stock associates, packaging engineers, cash operations associates, design trainees, management and management trainees, maintenance, merchandising and seasonal help. For some Crate and Barrel jobs qualifications and experience are required, however other roles may be suitable for entry-level workers.
How old do you have to be to work at Crate and Barrel? You must be 18 years old to apply for jobs at Crate and Barrel.
There is a wide range of benefits available for eligible employees, and these benefits differ depending on if you work full-time or part-time. Some of these include competitive salary, paid vacation time, flexible spending accounts, health insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, discounts and incentive programs. Many positions require shift work, as the opening hours are Monday – Friday from 10:00am – 9:00pm, Saturdays from 10:00am – 8:00pm, and Sundays from 12:00pm – 7:00pm.
Job Descriptions & Salaries
Sales Associate – The main responsibilities of a sales associate are customer service, including assisting the customer with their selection and purchase of merchandise. Sales associates must stay up to date with product knowledge and special offers, and be able to demonstrate this knowledge to the customer. Housekeeping duties including making sure the display areas are neat and well stocked may also be required. The average starting hourly pay is around $9.00 per hour.
Department Lead – The Department Lead is responsible for maximizing sales growth and profitability by managing the department and ensuring excellent customer service is provided at all times by all staff. Working with the sales manager to reach service goals and standards is also a requirement for this role. Coaching the sales staff on the best way to achieve maximum performance is a Department Lead duty. The average salary is around $13.00 per hour.
Stock Associate – Stock associates and merchandising associates need to be very well organized and have a creative flair. They are responsible for keeping the stockroom organized at all times, and also for making sure the sales floor is well stocked and the merchandise is well displayed. Working with the merchandising manager, the stock/merchandising associate is responsible for creating a visual display that supports the theme of the stores. The average pay rate starts at around $9.00 per hour.
Customer Service Lead – This management role is responsible for acting as a liaison between the customer, the customer service associate, sales associate and the sales manager. Coaching of sales associates and customer service associates on the correct procedures for internal and receipt notes, recovery options and sales skills is a requirement. Other duties include giving performance feedback to the associates and discuss this with the sales manager. Also the customer service lead is responsible for assisting with the training of new customer service associates. The average salary is around $39,000 per year.
Crate and Barrel Interview Questions
For a smoother interview experience, it is helpful to contemplate possible questions that may be asked and what the answers would be to make it a less stressful interview.
Why do you want to work here? This is a basic question and should be easy to answer based on your own personal thoughts of the company.
What motivates you to work hard? Often this question is asked to determine whether you are money oriented, or whether you enjoy what you do. Explain why you like to do this job, and what drives you to be successful at it.
How do you think you could make a difference at this company? This is a good opportunity to outline your personal attributes, work ethic, and skills that would ensure you would be worth hiring.
How would you deal with an irate customer? Customer service skills are essential, and there will be a time when you will need to deal with a difficult customer. If you have no work experience, explain that you would like to learn the best possible method of handling this situation.
What is unique about Crate and Barrel in your opinion? This question is to test your knowledge of the company, and how you see them in your own perception. Think of what sets the company apart from other similar stores, and what makes you want to shop there instead of elsewhere. It could be their service, their merchandise, or the décor of the store.
Advice For Application Process
To submit a Crate and Barrel application, the company prefers you to submit an online application through their website. There is no download application form or printable application form, as they prefer you not to make a direct application at your local store. If you do find a printable application for Crate and Barrel make sure it is authentic. You can search through their site for Crate and Barrel jobs online and the application form is a free application.
When you apply online, you create a profile, which makes it easier to apply for further positions if you are not successful the first time. This is a very popular industry, so make sure your application is filled in correctly and without errors. You may be able to upload a copy of your resume as well.
It can take up to two weeks to get a response, but in the meantime you may call your local store and ask to speak to the manager to check on the status of your application. Try not to do this during peak shopping hours though, as they will be busy. If you receive an interview, arrive early to show how keen you are, and dress appropriately. Be polite and friendly to everyone you come into contact with, and thank the interviewer for his or her time at the end of the meeting.
Also See:
Cabela’s: For employment at Cabela’s visit the application page.
Tiffany’s: See our guide for careers at Tiffany’s.
84 Lumber: See this page for jobs at 84 Lumber.
Harbor Freight: See our guide for careers at Harbor Freight.
Sports Authority: Visit the Sports Authority application.