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JCPenney is undergoing a massive transformation under new CEO and former Apple retail chief Ron Johnson. So far, his strategies have garnered mixed reactions from analysts, customers and the media.
But what about the voices of the workers on the front lines? What do they think about what's going on?
It's all about perception. It's simply devastating for employee morale when a company makes big job cuts, whether it's a good management decision or not.
That's what things are looking like at JCPenney. Employees are going through a painful period, and they're mad about it.
We spoke with 10 current JCPenney sales associates and hair stylists to get a feel for what the rank-and-file workers below the middle management level think. We've withheld their names for their protection.
Here's what they had to say, in their own words (edited lightly for clarity).
Click here to see what they think >
Work for JCPenney (in-store or corporate)? Send an email to kbhasin@businessinsider.com.
A JCPenney shoe sales associate would like to remind Johnson that JCPenney is NOT Target
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"I must take offense at Ron Johnson's reason for eliminating commission.
Ron Johnson should remember JCPenney is not Target, we are better. When people come into our store they expect to be greeted, they expect someone to be available to help, they expect good service.
A good salesperson knows the way to make money is by having repeat, loyal customers. This means helping the customer get what they need 'to make their life better' no matter the price of the item so they will want to come back.
He must have had horrible salespeople!"
A hair stylist feels "devalued" by JCPenney
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"I feel devalued as a stylist and as a person by this company. That's the corporate—trend every employee is a dollar sign to them.
I would leave but there are no other salons in the area that can offer corporate benefits, health insurance, 401k, pension, paid vacations & holidays. Until they take that away from me, I will continue to deal with changes.
I love doing hair, its all I've ever dreamed of doing. I'm hoping since I make them money I will be ok and not lose any benefits or get a lower commission."
A shoe sales associate can't figure out where Johnson is going with all the changes
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"Every week is different and it's hard to see where they are going with some of these changes.
They have also put people mostly on 6 hour shifts to save money so they don't have to have people cover lunches. Hungry? Lunch is only for managers. If you do get an 8 or 9 hour shift (which is lucky) they will give you a 30 minute lunch."
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Image may be NSFW.
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