Just be prepared for a wolf in sheep's clothing. - Anonymous Vans Employee Review

2.0
25 Apr 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Gaining industry experience; learning what it takes to make it in action sports and how it all works. Looks good on a resume because it's such a well known brand.

Cons

Don't be fooled by those higher up in flip flops & board shorts flashing the Shaka. The great majority who have been there for any length of time are as slick & hungry for power as anyone on Wall Street in a suit & tie. These guys just happen to know how to skate down sidewalks. So if you want in the action sports game because you love skate & surf, work there to gain some experience for yourself but as soon as it stops being fun, head for a company that doesn't use the infamy of their brand roots to be able to churn & burn through genuine talent.

Explore other reviews about Vans

5.0
21 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

They were super flexible with you and very chill. The discount was also super nice and you could also use it at the sister locations.

Cons

Sometimes management would turn a blind eye when you would need help, especially when starting

3.0
22 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The environment is absolutely amazing with my coworkers and they are always supportive. Any issues that arise are met with a high level of humanity - on the base level of the people I work with, because I haven't really delt with corporate. It genuinely feels nice to work here when you have a team like mine. The culture of skating is absolutely amazing to learn about at VANs and be a part of as well. I like the history behind some of the shoes, but that's probably just because I'm a history nerd.

Cons

Part time doesn't get many hours or enough pay to survive off of. However, you can't become full time unless you get a higher position. Sadly, they are incredibly hard to get, due to the fact people seem to stay with VANs if they get that promotion, just because it seems to be great to work here once you have that higher position. As well as the usual shift is 4 hours, and sometimes you only get one shift a week. It's just incredibly hard to stay here when it can't even give you enough money on your paychecks to get a small amount of groceries that'll last one person two weeks.

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