Footwear Design Department = Horrible Worklife balance and Disarray - Footwear Designer Coach Employee Review

2.0
May 15, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Coach is one of the few fashion companies that is performing well. There are many great people who are a pleasure to work with. Good pay. Great to have Coach on your resume.

Cons

High school like atmosphere with a "you can't sit with us" mentality among the footwear design leadership (with Diva attitudes to boot). Work life balance is horrible. There is no way to predict when you will have to stay till 11:30pm. Design details change a million times within a short amount of time. All levels of designers (from assistants to senior designers) do the same type/level of work but pay is significantly different. Super unorganized. Oh, and you don't really design...you just follow the exact instructions from management. Finally, transparency and communication from leadership to the team is horrible. Worse place I've worked with regard to communication and efficiency.

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5.0
Jan 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Management was very receptive, open, and caring.

Cons

The pay was not great.

4.0
Feb 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Working at Coach gives you a strong sense of brand identity and pride in what you sell. The training around product knowledge and client experience is solid, and there are real opportunities to grow if you’re motivated and consistent. Leadership development is encouraged, and you gain valuable retail and people-management skills quickly. The team environment can be fun, fast-paced, and supportive, especially during big launches and peak seasons.

Cons

Retail hours can be demanding, especially during holidays and high-volume periods. Expectations around sales and metrics can feel intense at times, and staffing challenges can increase pressure on the floor. Work-life balance can fluctuate depending on store volume and leadership structure.

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