Working at rue 21

I want to attempt to answer some or all of the questions briefly. I was interviewed for a job at rue21 in January of 2008 by a really nice lady who was the store manager. The questions were typical; "what do you consider to be a strength that you can bring to the company?" "what are you looking for in a job?" The interview went well, and I was asked to go in for a second interview. I was called shortly after with an offer to start at $6.50/hr - minimum wage at the time here. At first, the job was really fun and laid back. The biggest things rue21 employees focus on are building sales (with a goal of $20 per transaction, 3 units per transaction and a certain percentage of total sales being in the fragrances rue21 sells). If you do well here, you can move up incredibly easily. I never had management experience before in my life, but after about a year (and some management changes), they promoted me to assistant manager. This is where things started to change. The new store manager was sketchy and over-the-top. She had an attitude (one she perceived as fun, but by others was perceived as obnoxious) and her most frequently used expression was "I don't care - get over it." You see what I mean. She made the managers have nearly weekly meetings that generally lasted between two and four hours - none of which were paid. She sometimes also bought the managers alcohol (all of which were underage) and these types of meetings were basically "talk poorly of associates behind their back" meetings. It was after this that I began to look for a new job. Overall, I don't feel that rue21 supports their employees well; in the rue articles they sent out weekly, they were busy pointing out the flaws and mistakes of the associates rather than provide any sort of praise. If you did well, all was quiet on the western front. If you were doing poorly, you didn't hear the end of it. I personally feel this is an unfortunate way to run a company.

How did rue 21 start???

What are the average starting salaries, bonuses, benefits and travel requirements like at Rue 21? What do you like best about working at Rue 21? Are there any great perks or special treats for employees?

It's always hard to know what to expect when going in for that interview -- and preparation can make all the difference. What is the interview process like at rue 21? Any advice on striking the right note?

Every business has its own style. What is the office environment and culture like at rue 21? Are people dressed in business casual, jeans and t-shirts, or full-on suits? Do folks get together for Friday happy hours and friendly get-togethers? What is a typical day in the life of an employee at rue 21?

Do you work at Rue 21? How did you find the job? How did you get that first interview? Any advice for someone trying to get in?

What do you think - will Rue 21 grow fast? Are they expanding their staff? How does Rue 21 stack up against the competition?