This is my first Glassdoor review, and I do not take it lightly. The company culture at Topdrawer is deeply toxic, largely due to the President, whose leadership is driven by ego rather than strategy or vision. The President often makes decisions based on his moods, speaking disparagingly about employees, even those he claims to value. His comments can be inappropriate and harmful, creating an unhealthy atmosphere throughout the company. As both the President of the company and the Board, there are no checks and balances in place.
The upper management team and the HQ staff are, frankly, underqualified and unprepared for their roles. Despite frequent complaints and concerns raised by team members, no real change ever takes place. Instead, it becomes a game of who is willing to endure being exploited. Those who are willing to overlook or tolerate the toxic environment tend to rise, but it has little to do with merit or talent.
For those in store roles, such as Sales Associates or Key Holders, the situation is no better. You’re expected to run the store with little to no managerial support, which can be overwhelming and isolating. There’s also a disturbing pattern of employees being let go on unfounded grounds, seemingly just to save money for the higher-ups. This lack of stability and respect for employees is concerning.
Compensation is another issue. Even salaried employees are at risk of having their pay reduced without warning, simply to satisfy the company’s financial goals. This is indicative of a broader trend at Topdrawer: the company has no regard for employee welfare and will exploit people’s time and energy for short-term gain.
It’s also worth noting that if you look at the past 4 years of reviews, the writing is clearly on the wall. The same issues—lack of leadership, poor treatment of employees, and unethical practices—are consistently called out by former and current employees alike. The red flags are undeniable, and yet no meaningful changes have been made.
If you're considering joining Topdrawer, I strongly encourage you to think twice. While the store may look appealing to customers, the internal reality is far from what it appears. It’s a company that prioritizes its bottom line over people, and the work environment is one of exploitation and disillusionment. Proceed with caution.
