Ask me anything about Zellers [Archive]

CoolEddie

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:29 PM

Similar to th CT guy, which I found his info to be quite interesting, I thought I'd do the same kind of post.

Here's a few answers to start off:

Discount: Valid at all HBC stores.

Before 2004
10% off everything
15% off everything with 1yr service
20% off everything with 20yr service

After 2004
10% off everything except following dept: foods, chemicals, health & beauty, pharmacy, diapers, etc. (basically anything disposable).
15% off everything after 5 yrs service except above and only 10% off major appliances.

Note employees cannot earn gold member points.

Wage:
Started at $7.09/hr in 2000s.
Finished at $7.59/hr four years later.
I got fed up with the 5 cent and ten cent raises after a year.
They are now starting at around $9/hr in AB due to labour shortage. Some employees who were there longer oddly enough don't get the $9/hr.

Edit: Deleted some stuff. (Probably shouldn't be disclosing.)

Makaveli2k

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:33 PM

Whats the process on getting a HBC points card if your under 18?

kayman

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:33 PM

is the lowest price still the law?

kingsley

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:35 PM

These threads are fun.

Are there any secret codes or something you guys announce over the PA system for like shoplifters or something?

CoolEddie

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:35 PM

is the lowest price still the law?

Well they no longer use that line but they will match prices but not beat.

They no longer have HBC for kids as far as I know. They use to have Club Z for kids.

Sajjad

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:37 PM

Do most people take advantage of Trade and Save?

CoolEddie

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:38 PM

These threads are fun.

Are there any secret codes or something you guys announce over the PA system for like shoplifters or something?

Yes...
Edit: Deleted content

CoolEddie

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:39 PM

Do most people take advantage of Trade and Save?

Most people are confused over Save and Trade. One time we had a trade and save deal on bras and old ladies started bringing in their old bras to trade. When I worked there, not many people did the trade and save thing.

Sajjad

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:40 PM

Most people are confused over Save and Trade. One time we had a trade and save deal on bras and old ladies started bringing in their old bras to trade. When I worked there, not many people did the trade and save thing.
LMAO!!!!!!! :lol:

DaVibe

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:41 PM

In Shoppers Drug Mart, I yell out fake codes all the time.

"Security, Scan Section 3 Please"
"Code Red, Thank You"

Just because the owner is too cheap to put in security for when its needed (they come occassionally) ...

"Oh we've lost so much money" yeah I wonder why you flaming idiot!
People literally WALK out of the store with anything and everything.
Phones, DVD Players ... Shoppers is the worst.

nopn

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:45 PM

LOL !! :lol: :lol:

DaVibe

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:47 PM

CoolEddie

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:52 PM

How is Zellers doing on the business front? For a while there, I thought they were going to go out of business but it seems like the rest of Canada has stand up for the last store that's Canadian (or is it? lmao)

I honestly don't know but if were to bet, I would bet that they aren't doing that well. Before Walmart, it was heavenly. I think HBC lost money for the first time ever in 2005. If you look at its financial statements, HBC has been losing money consistenly for the first three quarters and usually makes it up around Christmas time. It wasn't the case for 2005. Hopefully Zucker knows what he's doing at will turn it around.

I got this comment quite frequently when we were out of stock or when we closed, "I'll just go to Walmart then."

DaVibe

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:54 PM

Just turn around,
"Well I'm sure the children in China appreciate your business" lmao

I don't care how cheap Wal-Mart is, it's like a flipping fleamarket ... I'm in there throwin' elbows on people 5'6 ... get the hell outta my way ...

UrbanPoet

Apr 16th, 2006, 10:58 PM

I honestly don't know but if were to bet, I would bet that they aren't doing that well. Before Walmart, it was heavenly. I think HBC lost money for the first time ever in 2005. If you look at its financial statements, HBC has been losing money consistenly for the first three quarters and usually makes it up around Christmas time. It wasn't the case for 2005. Hopefully Zucker knows what he's doing at will turn it around.

I got this comment quite frequently when we were out of stock or when we closed, "I'll just go to Walmart then."

yep.. I remember reading inthe business section of the metro that they were cutting alot of jobs due to a loss in 2005.

qwerty

Apr 16th, 2006, 11:15 PM

I got this comment quite frequently when we were out of stock or when we closed, "I'll just go to Walmart then."

I love it when Zellers is out of stock because I can get a raincheck and it is good for a year. The last time I got a raincheck was for Kraft Dinner. It was on sale, 2 for $1.00, max 6 per customer. I had my mom and two kids, so I got 4 rainchecks. Did some shopping and then noticed the customer service rep has changed, so got another 4 rainchecks, LOL.

Pete Jones

Apr 16th, 2006, 11:38 PM

You said "ask me anything" so here goes.

Who is the founder? :)

Where was the exact street address of the first Zeller's store? :twisted:
(bonus points if you can tell me what became of the location )

--Pete

CoolEddie

Apr 16th, 2006, 11:42 PM

Without looking it up I don't know. I know it was actually someone with the last name Zeller. Maybe a Walter Zeller? I had to watch a training video on the history four years ago.

Pete Jones

Apr 17th, 2006, 12:11 AM

Without looking it up I don't know. I know it was actually someone with the last name Zeller. Maybe a Walter Zeller? I had to watch a training video on the history four years ago.

I'm impressed! You weren't kidding. You do know a lot about the chain.

Walter P. Zeller was his name.

There's a plaque on what was the original Zeller's store in downtown Kitchener commemorating him. I only know this because I remember shopping there as a kid.

I just hope they survive.
(and yes, I still do shop at Zellers -- especially since I live near one.)

--Pete

mtharvey

Apr 17th, 2006, 01:13 AM

I notice that they dont give you the sale price unless you ask at register.{not all the time} The price tags are all mixed up in that store. I dont see them surviving with walmart around. Love their shoe sales.

belfour

Apr 17th, 2006, 01:27 AM

They are part of the Code Scanning Policy right?

CoolEddie

Apr 17th, 2006, 01:37 AM

They are part of the Code Scanning Policy right?

No they are not. They have their own code. If you do see a product mislabled they will give it to you at that price (within reason). At least we did at the store I worked at.

I do notice a lot of the times you don't get your bonus HBC points and you have to ask for it. I also notice they are oos a lot of the time on even basic items which frustrate me.

One day I was looking for a medium white undershirt. They were out of them on all 5-6 brands they carry. Stuff like that you just can't be out of. Which brings me to a Burger King one time that was out of Whoppers. Inexcusable!

Mehrtens

Apr 17th, 2006, 01:44 AM

Remember last year around christmas time, some guy was fired because he took stuff from the garbage outside a zellers. What really happened ? The story died down after some days. :confused:

Badger

Apr 17th, 2006, 01:47 AM

What is the procedure for getting hired in Zellers?

Is it better to get a referral or they do not care at all.

CoolEddie

Apr 17th, 2006, 01:49 AM

Remember last year around christmas time, some guy was fired because he took stuff from the garbage outside a zellers. What really happened ? The story died down after some days. :confused:

If I told you, you would die down too! j/k

I never heard about this incident. At the Zellers I worked at has a garbage compactor and we throw everything into it. So I'm not too sure how somone would dig into the garbage outside a Zellers. I guess that store didn't have a compactor. If I were to speculate, maybe that's how he was shoplifting. Throw out some "garbage" (dvds, cds, ps2, etc.) and pick it up after the store had closed. Pretty clever trick but not clever enough apparently.

Thundercloud

Apr 17th, 2006, 01:51 AM

No they are not. They have their own code. If you do see a product mislabled they will give it to you at that price (within reason). At least we did at the store I worked at.

I do notice a lot of the times you don't get your bonus HBC points and you have to ask for it. I also notice they are oos a lot of the time on even basic items which frustrate me.

One day I was looking for a medium white undershirt. They were out of them on all 5-6 brands they carry. Stuff like that you just can't be out of. Which brings me to a Burger King one time that was out of Whoppers. Inexcusable!

LoL, There's been a few times where KFC was out of chicken and made me wait 30 minutes.

CoolEddie

Apr 17th, 2006, 01:52 AM

What is the procedure for getting hired in Zellers?

Is it better to get a referral or they do not care at all.

I think it's pretty much the same with any place. I think it is better if you get a referral of course from a good employee than not to have one. In Alberta anyways, I think you basically have to show up. Everywhere is hiring.

But you fill out an application, goto an interview, and you either get hired or not. During the interview they ask the typical interview questions, you also have to do a timed test. It was pretty simple. Some common sense questions, and some math. I think you have to watch a video too but can't be certain.

lumlum1013

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:21 AM

After 2004
10% off everything except following dept: foods, chemicals, health & beauty, pharmacy, diapers, etc. (basically anything disposable).
15% off everything after 5 yrs service except above and only 10% off major appliances.

Note employees cannot earn gold member points.

Wage:
Started at $7.09/hr in 2002.
Finished at $7.59/hr in 2004.
I got fed up with the 5 cent and ten cent raises after a year.
They are now starting at around $9/hr in AB due to labour shortage. Some employees who were there longer oddly enough don't get the $9/hr.

I used to work at an HBC store as well, only for 4 months or so..
I never understood the whole deal with no discounts on anything disposable part, that is a big exclusion!!

And I remember I only started with min wage too, and i think the raises were yearly? Very crappy..!

airblade90

Apr 17th, 2006, 09:15 AM

What location you at? I tried returning my Madden 2006 (without a receipt) and it was a no-go... I thought it would be much easier. :evil: Maybe I could do it with a more lenient location?

CoolEddie

Apr 17th, 2006, 01:18 PM

What location you at? I tried returning my Madden 2006 (without a receipt) and it was a no-go... I thought it would be much easier. :evil: Maybe I could do it with a more lenient location?

If I told you where I worked I would be in deep trouble if someone knew I posted this. Anyways, games, CDs, DVDs are usually not returnable if it is open for obvious reasons. However, you sometimes do get the dumb associate.

conundrumfp

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:26 PM

What stores are on the secret list of locations they are trying to unload?

Do you have a decent pension?

And, what happened to the original location?

Are they changing the name to Target?

CoolEddie

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:33 PM

What stores are on the secret list of locations they are trying to unload?

Do you have a decent pension?

And, what happened to the original location?

Are they changing the name to Target?

1) Don't know
2) No
3) Don't know
4) No

qwerty

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:38 PM

CoolEddie

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:42 PM

Here are my questions :

1. I applied for a credit card on Saturday, April 15, to get 10% off my next purchase. How many days do I have before it expires?

2. I would like to use the credit card 10% off on senior citizen's day. Can I get 10% off and another 10% off?

3. How come I can't use the credit card 10% off on electronics or food? Does it also applies to inkjet canon refills?

1) Usually they give you a cupon for the 10% off and usually, you have to use it the same day you applied for the credit card.

2) Yes.

3) When I worked there it applied to everything.

aimie

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:56 PM

Too funny about Wal-Mart being like a flea-market. I completely agree and hate shopping there. I try to avoid Zellers too though. When we used to buy diapers for my dd, there were ALWAYS out of stock and charged > $20 a pack when Wal-Mart (cringe) sold the same diapers (Huggies/Pampers) for $14.xx.

I've e-mailed Zellers asking why they don't comply with SCOP, when almost every other store does. There response is that they have so much faith in there scanning system that they don't need it. Right. They would have to be over-charging almost every customer, considering most items ring in at the wrong price.

Zellers gets some decent products though and has good sales here and there. Can't complain too much.

qwerty

Apr 17th, 2006, 02:56 PM

3) When I worked there it applied to everything.
It was when I did a price match with a Walmart flyer on an Xbox. Could that be why?

CoolEddie

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:02 PM

It was when I did a price match with a Walmart flyer on an Xbox. Could that be why?

Perhaps. Just say talk to the manager or supervisor and tell them the person who signed you up on the credit card said you get 10% off everything. Make a big fuss. Sometimes staff just don't know though. The other day I was in a Zellers and I was "training" one of the cashiers because it was her first day and didn't really know how to work the register. Her trainer was too busy at her own cash register to help. Poor girl.

Absolute

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:07 PM

Edit: Deleted some stuff. (Probably shouldn't be disclosing.)

Damn, probably the most interesting stuff, too ;)

qwerty

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:07 PM

You know those gift cards that they give out at the Bay? How come I can't use it at Zellers?

w4rrior

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:08 PM

heres an interesting question. Why is zellers still around? :lol:
j/k. anyways, I wanted to know about that zellers club card deal, what do u get out of it?

CoolEddie

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:16 PM

You know those gift cards that they give out at the Bay? How come I can't use it at Zellers?

As far as I know, you can. It should be a HBC Gift Card right?

heres an interesting question. Why is zellers still around?
j/k. anyways, I wanted to know about that zellers club card deal, what do u get out of it?

I think if Zellers went under, we would be in big trouble with basically a Walmart monopoly. Hopefully Superstore could fill the gap.

But I take it you are referring to HBC rewards. It's like any other rewards program. You can trade in your points for anything from the catalogue or for discounts on select store merchandise. In my opinion, the best deal is $100 gift card which I think is 950,000 points if you don't have a gold card. You can earn points at Esso, Fields, Home Outfitters, Bay, Zellers and that other new store they have.

qwerty

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:26 PM

As far as I know, you can. It should be a HBC Gift Card right?
I believe so. I got the card and went shopping at Zellers. I stopped one of the associates and try to confirm if I could use the gift card. She said no. I asked her if she could call someone. She said she was it. Something about not being able to get the money back from The Bay because it's a different company? I thought it is one big umbrella.

CoolEddie

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:32 PM

I believe so. I got the card and went shopping at Zellers. I stopped one of the associates and try to confirm if I could use the gift card. She said no. I asked her if she could call someone. She said she was it. Something about not being able to get the money back from The Bay because it's a different company? I thought it is one big umbrella.

The person you talked to sounds incompetent. It is one company. Whenever you get the "I'm the only one," at any store even if they are the manager, they're probably BSing you. Even at the manager level, you can always talk to someone else.

qwerty

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:40 PM

When I got the card at The Bay, I specifically asked if I could use it at Zellers, and they said yes. I will try again next time. Too late for today. Probably all gone and only downtown ones are giving them out.

Geologic

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:42 PM

1. Who invented the trade and save?

and

2. Who do we have to kill to get rid of it?

CoolEddie

Apr 17th, 2006, 03:57 PM

1. Who invented the trade and save?

and

2. Who do we have to kill to get rid of it?

1) No clue.
2) Complain or just don't trade and save.

P__S__2

Apr 17th, 2006, 04:04 PM

How much are a pair of mens black jeans?

34-34...?

CoolEddie

Apr 17th, 2006, 04:07 PM

How much are a pair of mens black jeans?

34-34...?

$29.97.

P__S__2

Apr 17th, 2006, 04:17 PM

Hmm also wondering if they have black jean shorts?

JB7

Apr 17th, 2006, 04:17 PM

Will Zellers still be Canadian when the Bay is bought by Americans?

lithiumli

Apr 17th, 2006, 04:22 PM

LOL totally made my day

Most people are confused over Save and Trade. One time we had a trade and save deal on bras and old ladies started bringing in their old bras to trade. When I worked there, not many people did the trade and save thing.

CoolEddie

Apr 17th, 2006, 04:34 PM

Will Zellers still be Canadian when the Bay is bought by Americans?

Well it depends on your definition. If it is buy ownership then no. If it is by roots, then yes. Is Petro-Canada still Canadian?

Hmm also wondering if they have black jean shorts?

Don't think so.

P__S__2

Apr 17th, 2006, 05:28 PM

^ic...

guess im gonna have to buy a pair of Dickies jean shorts.

tonychau

Apr 17th, 2006, 05:31 PM

aquariaguy

Apr 17th, 2006, 05:42 PM

No they are not. They have their own code. If you do see a product mislabled they will give it to you at that price (within reason). At least we did at the store I worked at.

I do notice a lot of the times you don't get your bonus HBC points and you have to ask for it. I also notice they are oos a lot of the time on even basic items which frustrate me.

One day I was looking for a medium white undershirt. They were out of them on all 5-6 brands they carry. Stuff like that you just can't be out of. Which brings me to a Burger King one time that was out of Whoppers. Inexcusable!

The Subway in Waterloo (University Plaza) ran out of bread a few times. :D

SamInfinity

Apr 18th, 2006, 01:41 AM

Why do the items advertised in the flyers always come late, and they only have a quantity of 3 that actually make it to the store.

Lonely Soldier Boy

Apr 18th, 2006, 01:50 AM

Does Zellars have a policy to hire very old and very young?

I generally don't meet anyone between the ages of 20 and 60 working there, although it might just be my own local Zellars.

CoolEddie

Apr 18th, 2006, 02:51 AM

oh oh.... I have my baseline of my HBC Reward in 2005 above the gold HBC Reward requirement.

Do I have to apply to get my gold HBC reward card??

Is it better to use the point for trade and save or get GC instead?

No, if you meet the points requirement the previous year, you don't need to apply to get a gold. I think the best value is a gift card.

CoolEddie

Apr 18th, 2006, 02:53 AM

Why do the items advertised in the flyers always come late, and they only have a quantity of 3 that actually make it to the store.

Usually not done on purpose. Bad logistics. Same reason the store I went to were out of undershirts. Usually, for those "100 only in store," at our store, we usually had more than the stated number. Then again, we were one of the bigger stores in the area.

CoolEddie

Apr 18th, 2006, 02:56 AM

Does Zellars have a policy to hire very old and very young?

I generally don't meet anyone between the ages of 20 and 60 working there, although it might just be my own local Zellars.

No. Just who ever applies. But when you think of it, it's usually the teenagers, part-time college students and retired who work these sorts of jobs. The only people who are middle-aged would be what I like to refer to as lifers. Those who stay with the company forever hoping to attain a management position. Most people aspire to work elsewhere and not to make a career out of such works. How often have you seen a middle-aged person work at a fast food joint?