10 Ex-Victoria's Secret Employees Share The Top Things They Want You To Know About The Store
It turns out the store's employees are actually very well-trained, and they want you to know it!
Working at Victoria's Secret may look glamorous from the outside, but former employees say the job comes with a lot more than pretty displays and perfume mist.
Since 1977, the lingerie retailer has built a huge reputation, and the people behind the counter have seen everything from first-time bra fittings to awkward customer behavior. These former employees are sharing the parts of the job shoppers usually never think about.
From store rules to holiday chaos, their stories paint a very different picture of life on the sales floor.
#10 Employees are highly trained in all areas.
Whether you’re someone who has had a mastectomy, someone who is transitioning, or someone who is getting a bra for the first time, that’s what we’re here for, and that’s why we do our jobs.
#9 They can suggest other retailers.
Victoria's Secret is by far the most popular lingerie retailer in the United States. However, if they cannot assist you with your specific needs or sizes, they are encouraged to suggest another retailer.
That kind of honesty is part of the job, too.
#8 Looks used to be the most important asset.
In the past, Victoria's Secret was known for promoting extremely thin models.
#7 They know how to deal with partners.
Most husbands and boyfriends don't know their girlfriend's lingerie size. Therefore, employees often suggest different gifts, such as body lotions, sprays, or gift cards.
#6 Employees want their customers to feel as comfortable as possible, but they also appreciate respect.
She took it and flossed her teeth with it in front of me. I was like, 'No!' It’s so gross.
Also, this chaos feels like the woman who blurted “What is this thing?” at a hideous dog garland.
Some shoppers really do test the limits.
#5 They are rewarded.
Employees enjoy some nice perks, including decent pay and paid leave, something highly valued and hard to find for retail workers.
#4 Holidays can be insane.
“I’ve literally seen grandmas punch each other in the face.”
The holiday rush sounds like a nightmare.
#3 Employees have to approach you and offer help.
Here's a good tip.
“A good trick if you don’t want help is to remember the name of the person who introduced themselves to you. So if the first person says, 'Hi, my name is Stephanie,' and then two or three more people come and ask, 'Do you need more help?' just say, 'Stephanie’s helping me, thank you,' and they will leave you alone.”
#2 They smell pretty for a reason.
Employees are required to spray the store with their body spray. They will often try to sell you whichever scent is wafting through the store that day.
#1 A lot of items are "damaged out."
Customers often attempt to return ruined items or damage items while trying them on in the store.
“The worst part was having to damage out [retail speak for taking an irreparable item out of circulation] underwear that girls had tried on without leaving their own underwear on.”
That last one is hard to unsee.
For another “secret job” betrayal debate, read about the cam model who didn’t tell her partner.
