The Range

*Warning: Very lengthy review. Please read the short version below if you want a quick summary, otherwise be prepared for an in-depth review*

Short version: (Current) Management have no clue what they're doing, constant issues with a lack of communication between Management and Staff, typical minimum wage offered with little to no chance of advancement through any sort of system. In addition to this, Management encourage staff to lie/cheat the system if they're made aware that higher ups are visiting, rather than being honest. On day of open, there was over 70 members of staff, now there's only around 10-15 of them remaining and the rest are all new starts or younger/school starters so they can pay less wages as they're all roughly 16-20 years old. If you're desperate for a while, apply here, otherwise, please consider looking elsewhere.

Long version: TheRange (at least the Perth store) is by far one of the worst places I've worked, but I remain purely for the current wage and experience that I can place on a C.V. The Perth Store had previous management that had a sort of system in place to keep things running and while this system was not perfect, it worked for a majority of staff and kept the place going somewhat smoothly. However, those management members have all left and been replaced with brand new people who have no idea what is going on. These management members have changed the system completely, ignored any comments or concerns regarding the changes and have no care for most of the members of staff, but only care about trying to make the place look "reputable" for the higher ups when they arrive to perform store visits (which - in my opinion - should be random and unannounced, as so that the higher ups can truly see what a typical day is like.)

As mentioned in the short version, the store originally opened with a high number of staff members, however over time, those numbers dwindled down lower and lower (for various reasons, such as that/those members weren't suitable or they chose to leave because of the working enviroment), and now we're currently left with around 10-15 of those original members. Due to this, a majority of the employed staff are new, and are still learning things about the store, but a large number of these staff range between the ages of 16 to 20 years old, and usually handle either 8 or 16 hour shifts, meaning that most of them do not get proper experience or training to help handle themselves or assist others. As well as this, it means that the store pays them much less (due to minimum wage) and so that money is spent on other things. Since most of the staff aren't 100% sure yet, it can be rather embarrassing to hear some of them asked a question (EG: "Do you know where I can find <an item>") and hear them respond with "I don't know, let me ask someone else". As a customer, this can be a little frustrating as more time is spent trying to find products, or other members of staff, but as a member of staff, this is completely embarrassing as it makes us look bad.

Continuing on with Staff, a majority of members feel that we're significantly understaffed, at least in some of the sections such as Customer Service and "popular" departments such as DIY, Gardens and Homewares. Due to this, some people have become more stressed and angry, including some staff members who are a little too vocal about what they say. If more staff were hired, we might see a boost to morale or even profits, but we can't predict anything at this time. It's also problimatic for some people who want to continue on with their day, but become bogged down by stress and anger.

In terms of "advancement/promotions" and job benefits, there's very little to almost none in terms of advancements and a semi-ok/mediocore Staff Discount Policy. At the time of writing this, the policy includes a 25% discount on all items, with a huge amount of items being disallowed or having a reduced rate, depending on the item. (Example: If the item has a household plug/car adapter, it's only eligible for 10%, not 25%. You also cannot get discount on several things such as ALL food/drink items - Human or Pet - DIY/Woodcare Paints are 0%, cleaning products and chemicals are 0%. Compost, garden machinery, toiletries and more are also 0%). By the time all of the things are done, you have a limited amount of products that can be discounted, such as Home Decor items (cushions, rugs and fabrics) and some Arts & Crafts products (excluding machienry). On top of that, stores are currently using a paper version of discount slips, which can take a long time to fill in and finish up, causing queues and pileups at tills. While we have been promised that we will be given cards soon to enable discounting - and most of the staff have had their photo taken for the cards - we have had little to no word from Head Office in almost a year, which makes this even more stupid.

Finally, I have to make a comment to the condition of the store. The building that we currently work in was a previously owned garden store, and as such had some issues with getting fixed up (like heating, RATS and other issues). While most of the staff members have grown used to it, it's really saddening to see members of the public come into the store and have difficulties getting around, such as overstocked pallets blocking aisles and floorways and things piling off shelves, causing health hazards. As a staff member, we've become used to it, but some customers (especially those with mobility issues like wheelchairs or crutches) can have a really hard time just getting around. Health and Safety would have a field day if they saw how bad it could be.

Despite this reviews completely negative outlook, I will mention that there are occasions when the place is good. Some supervisors are nice and helpful with their members of staff, attempting to train them up or hearing them out if they'd like certain days off, and most customers are calm or friendly, which is great! But the number of cons massively outweigh that of the pros.

Overall, I wouldn't suggest working here at this time, not unless there are some serious improvements made to staff, management and conditions. If Head-Office decided to send a regional manager (or similar "high level" person) to the stores WITHOUT announcing visits, it would allow those people to see the store in its true light, and maybe they might have some better ideas of how to help us.

Fair warning, this review is pretty long.
The Range is such a difficult place to work, I don’t even know where to begin? First off, the pay and the hours aren’t good at all. It’s great for under 18’s, you’re always scheduled and they’re pretty flexible when it comes to school/uni, but the pay is still bad for what you do. Above 18 though, it's not even worth your time. You’re overworked, and expected to do so much, a lot not even involving your own department, or your area of expertise. And I personally have basically had to take a ‘supervisor’ role on days we are extremely understaffed and all supervisors and managers have disappeared. Do you know how embarrassing it is telling a customer they can't speak to the manager because there's not a single authoritative person in the building? Back to the hours, You’re either scheduled for the whole week, even as a part timer, doing the hours people don't want to work aka early and late shifts! And you're on them alone, how great! Serving countless customers when there's only one of you. The Range then tends to CUT your hours one week, as if they aren’t already extremely understaffed as it is, struggling to serve customers and get stock out. So you go from working 25 to 12, if you're lucky. And for only minimum wage, it's really not livable, or fair.. Not knowing how much you’ll earn each month, worrying about paying bills etc just because your hours each week are messed up, never consistent. 

Onto the staff. It's like being in high school all over again. No matter the age, they involve themselves in drama.  Especially the managers.. One made going to work a very anxiety inducing event for not only myself, but a few other staff. In my opinion, managers shouldn't be laughing at staff because they cry from the stress from the customers. There's so much falling out in each department, which makes teamwork difficult, and really dampens your mood. Along with that, you have male staff who are NSFW with a lot of younger female staff, which the managers are fully aware of yet do nothing about. It's quite an unsafe place to work.

Onto the managers themselves... They say stuff to you, tell you how to do your job yet as soon as a customer comes along, they completely backtrack on everything they've said, and side with the customer, making you look silly. It's extremely dehumanising. Also, whenever higher ups come into the store for a visit, the managers tell the staff to lie and be on their best behaviour so our store looks presentable and we pass with flying colours. And yet when the higher ups don't come, the store is a shambles. Pricing all wrong, missing deliveries and items, and staff left clueless with nothing to do. Not to mention, the masks. We are in a pandemic, and yet neither staff or managers wear masks. I even overheard the store manager telling my co-worker to just buy a lanyard off eBay if she's not wanting to wear a mask, how unsafe! They have no regard for the health and safety of any other staff or customers. And finally… the management especially have extremely outdated views on people who date the same gender and people of colour. It takes a single break in the staff room to hear these horrible remarks towards minorities. I’ve heard a manager and worker in the office both laugh and make jokes about one member of staff in particular, calling him names. 

There have also been numerous health and safety hazards working at The Range, Perth. There was a problem with rats, where the managers didn’t even give us proper PPE to be working in such conditions around living animals. The warehouse jackets have been covered in fleas on numerous occasions, making it gross and unsafe for workers to wear them. The store isn’t accessible at all, a lot of items block the walkway, making it difficult for some able-bodied to walk through, nevermind someone in a wheelchair. And finally, the conditions. In winter, it is freezing, and there's no heating. Customers constantly complain about just how cold it is, imagine how we feel working in that 8+ hours a day! And we’ve been told off numerous times by management that we can’t wear the hi-vis jackets, therefore leaving us to basically freeze. It's horrible. And in summer it's so hot and yet no air conditioning, and not even being allowed water by you on the till makes the whole shift 10x worse.

In conclusion, The Range Perth is literally the worst place I've ever worked, for many reasons including but not limited to the catty staff, and the negative impact it has on your mental health. I seriously do not recommend working here, unless you're desperate for money and experience. Yes, I've had some laughs with a lot of the members there (none of which still work at the range, go figure), but that does not justify all the abuse I've been through, from both staff and the general public. 



Workload is generally too high for the staffing you have. Constant delivery schedule that can change with no notification and min of 24 hours notice leading to constant changing of shifts any complaints of issues with this and you get told to deal with it. 

Store managers vary in the role best ones usually don't last long as company is so far behind in its HR policies and minimal store budgets leading to stores struggling to staff their stores fully. I worked in a 66000 sq foot store when I started we had approx 120 staff and store was fully manned and correctly covered now we are down to about 40 can barely cover shop floor most of the time leading to angry customers and overworked staff. Management expected to fill the gaps themselves often leading to extra hours that you don't get paid for and can rarely claim back.

Area managers are generally useless with no real power in the company and are only used to filter information from head office and pick apart your work. Audits by them and company auditors are designed so they cannot be passed and are constantly changed with no notice. All manager bonuses are taken from audit scores. In 15 years of service management never received these.

Typical day at the Range is serving customers via the till points (if you are till trained), stock replenishment, tidying/facing up the store and answering customer queries. I have learned basic customer service skills, dealing with rather defensive customers and using the modern touch screen till points. My work colleagues are a friendly happy bunch who I get on with very well in most instances, some  who work in rather difficult/challenging conditions. The hardest part of working at the Range is the evening shifts, you are mostly on your own and with the growing demand on the store is rather stressful at times, but greeting and meeting people at the till points is the most enjoyable, and rewarding part of my work.

The job load is ridiculous (in certain areas) considering you get minimum wage.  Management are lazy, job security... what job security? No one backs you up, training is rubbish and have to learn mostly on the job.
The only decent thing about working here is some of the people are alright.
At least you get a 45 minute break if you're doing a full day so you can relax and have a cup of tea... but you'll have to provide that for yourself.  They'll provide the water.
With the owner being a millionaire and opening countless amount of stores all over the country, you'd think he'd give us a bit more than minimum wage, or at least provide a cup of tea on your break?
Also very unorganised.  Absolute shambles of a company, no one seems to know whats going on...

The shifts can be at really awkward times, sometimes extremely slow and sometimes really fast-paced. Lack of staff made working stressful at times &  customers are either lovely or extremely rude, loads of weird stuff happened in my short time there. All the staff are lovely although the management is a little rough - they pay minimum wage, messed up my pay cheque. They're really understanding about piercings and tattoos, the dress code isn't strict at all. Though I wouldn't work there again. Wasn't worth it for under £100 for 20 hours of my time weekly.

Currently working at the Range Derriford, If you don't stand your ground you can be relied on and thats not good team work when others don't pull their finger out. Staff quality slowly getting better!! 
Can be fun when working with the right colleagues. 
Change of the rota to often can be a challenge. 
Working late shifts 😴 on to early not good practice!!
Also I think it would be much better to end late shifts at  9 rather than 10 so staff can get home at a reasonable time  as Derriford store is not on a easy bus route for some.

work here for a few months at first was dream job decent money , lovely people to work with , now the bad stuff .....

certain staff  are incredible lazy but management never pull them up 

yet they will pull you up on the tiniest mistake 

management say they will help you with issues then do nothing 

in my short time at this job i found that hard work isnt rewarded but brown nosing management and supervisors gets you much further

Everyday was different always busy and lots to do. I enjoyed going to work because of the energy was always good miss working there. I like the way I was not just at customer service I was also on the shop floor. Putting stock out and helping others at other parts of the store which I enjoyed and liked. And it’s work work work . It’s like family. 

Its not a terrible place to work but I'm sure there are nicer places. Your expected to put 110% in but with no appication from the management team. Moral is very low and I would say a high turn over of staff but with the new wages coming in the store is at an all time low as leavers are not being replaced so the staff that are there are expected to spread themselves very thin.

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