Complete Merchandising Solutions Employee Reviews

Overall ok company. I only know my direct supervisor. Never see or hear from anyone else. Job has its challenges… hours are very minimal, hard to find other work to go around it. Don’t get the schedule until a couple days before. Pay is low.

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

4 November 2022

Thank you for your review. Since our vendors are a 3rd party, we rely on them to provide us with a schedule, which we understand can be frustrating. At CMS we strive to create a culture of recognition and support, and encourage all our employees to give feedback to each other, and to support one another. We hope our employees feel appreciated, and reciprocate these feelings towards one another. Thank you,CMS Human Resources

This company does not pay well. You will be the lowest paid in the garden center

Merchandiser/Supervisor (Current Employee) - Toronto, ON - 14 July 2023

Back breaking work for low low payCMS is responsible for wage fixing with other vendors so that merchandisers get the lowest wage possible. CMS does poor training and absolutely does not care that a merchandiser gets injured.

Pros

You would be better off to work for a different vendor

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

4 August 2023

Thank you for your feedback. We are disappointed to read this though, as the wage fixing simply isn’t true. We value all of our employees, and follow up on all incidents or injuries to ensure our employees receive the support they need, and offer modified duties where applicable. We strive to ensure our reps are properly trained, especially on safety practices. We have also recently increased our wage for permanent merchandisers. Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Insights into Complete Merchandising Solutions

Based on 15 survey responses

What people like

Time and location flexibility
Clear sense of purpose
Inclusive work environment

Areas for improvement

Fair pay for job
Sense of belonging

Overall a great place to work

Merchandiser (Current Employee) - Pembroke, ON - 7 September 2022

My experience with CMS has been a positive one. My manager has been very helpful and the position allows me to be flexible with my time. The tasks are simple and straight forward and can be easily managed within my own schedule.

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

16 September 2022

Thank you for your positive feedback. At Complete Merchandising Solutions we strive to give employees the ability to work independently, and have a schedule that allows for work-life balance. We appreciate your comments and are happy you are enjoying your time with us. Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Great First Season with CMS

Visual Merchandiser (Current Employee) - Saint John, NB - 13 August 2022

I have enjoyed my time with CMS as I wanted something that wasn't 9-5 and would allow me to work independently. You must be someone who is self-motivated and a self-starter to do this role well I feel, as you have to relay information back to your manger from the store and make decisions about how to divide your time throughout your shift and merchandise appropriately. The hours do vary each week (between 15 for low delivery periods, to 30 at the peak of 2-3 shipments/week). The pay could be a dollar or two higher for all of the responsibility and the hard work of offloading so much product independently, but overall it isn't too bad if you like working hands-on and getting to be outside (you work inside with tropical plants and in the outdoor garden centre with perennials). Also, you get to know the store staff quite well and it makes doing your job easier when you need assistance with things like printing prices or making decisions about product placement, etc.It's good if you have a decorating background or have good spatial ability and are strong, since you must move quite a lot of trays of plants and trees/shrubs in order to create a visually appealing and shoppable space.

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

15 August 2022

Thank you for your review. At Complete Merchandising Solutions we strive to give employees the ability to work independently, and have a schedule that allows for work-life balance. As plants are seasonal, the amount of work can vary from week to week, which means the hours may fluctuate. We hope you enjoy your time working with us! Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Love being part of the CMS team!

Retail Merchandiser (Current Employee) - East York, ON - 30 July 2022

My position at CMS has been very rewarding and I look forward to my shifts everyday. Management and HR are both very communicative and have offered me lots of feedback on how I’m doing within my role.

Pros

Instagram Pic Contest

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

3 August 2022

Thank you for your positive review! We are so happy you look forward to your shifts, and enjoy the work you do. We are so glad you enjoyed the Photo contest! We try hard to ensure our employees have the best experience possible, and your kind words show we have succeeded! Thank you, CMS Human Resources

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Great place to work

Merchandiser (Current Employee) - Ontario - 15 July 2022

Great place to work. Very flexible schedules and hours. Pay is very fair. You get to work outside in the spring and summer! The actual work is fun. Merchandising the plants and taking care of them. Great people on your team and the managers are awesome as well!

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

19 July 2022

Thank you for your positive comments. We believe our employees come first, and we like to ensure they are given enough flexibility in their schedules as well as enough pay for their work. We put our employee satisfaction as a priority, and your review affirms the hard work we contribute daily. Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Worst Workplace I have ever seen

Merchandiser (Current Employee) - Ontario - 1 July 2022

CMS lied about the job being a permanent position even though I asked multiple times and it was in the job listing and my contract that it was permanent! then HR tried to gaslight me into believing that I was the one who was mistaken, but they only corrected the "miscommunication" after the busy season was over and didn't matter if I quit or not.The pay is a little over minimum wage and not worth it, other merchandising jobs pay more than that. They also provide no uniform or equipment, such as gloves, while other companies I saw provided their employees with those things.They are also quick to point out every small mistake or issue but they will never point out the things you do right.The schedule is given the day before and you are expected to check your email constantly, supervisors also talk behind everyones.Walmart employees are really mean too, and they don't care.I was told they had trouble hiring while I worked there, I now know why. It's not worth the stress or anxiety they cause.

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

14 July 2022

Thank you for your feedback. I would first like to address your comment about the job being a permanent position. We do not provide contracts to seasonal employees and there is no mention of these jobs being permanent in our new hire paperwork. Positions are listed as either seasonal or permanent in each location-specific job posting.To address your comment about income, our wages are above minimum wage, and we have worked to further increase these wages recently due to cost of living increases.We are continuously working with our vendors to get schedules to our employees as soon as possible. Since our vendors decide when their deliveries are, we rely on them to figure out schedules for our employees. This is again store-specific and not ideal for everyone.As well, like most companies, we experienced staffing shortages due to world issues as well as COVID-19. Unfortunately this is something out of our control.At CMS we strive to create a culture of recognition and support, and encourage all our employees to give feedback to each other, and to support one another. We hope our employees feel appreciated, and reciprocate these feelings towards one another. Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Engaging and Active, but very little pay.

Plant Merchandiser (Current Employee) - Home Depot, Kingston - 22 May 2022

Interesting and engaging work. Not overwhelming since there’s no time restraints and you can really go at your own pace. If you enjoy being independent and doing little tasks with plants, it’s pretty good. I don’t think the pay is nearly enough for the amount of physical labour you’re required to do though.No small talk or costumer service which is pretty nice. Everyone who works here is laid back and kind so you’ll probably make a couple friends! Management is kind of strange, you usually only get your schedule a day in advance and you have to do your own time sheet (which isn’t much work but it is work)

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

31 May 2022

Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. We are so glad you had such a positive experience working with us. To address your concern, we have recently increased our employee wages to ensure our workers are being paid fairly for their work. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. Thank you, CMS Human Resources

The best

Merchandiser (Current Employee) - Etobicoke, ON - 22 April 2022

One of the best work experiences ever. They offer above minimum wage. Super flexible and easy going, mostly independent. Simple job, love taking care of plants and organizing the space to make everything presentable. Working with supportive and laid back people. Management with schedule can be last minute, but is predictable and flexible. Hours and days can depend on you. Great as a part time job.

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

31 May 2022

Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. We are so glad you had such a positive experience working with us. Our employee satisfaction is extremely important, and we are so glad you had such an amazing work experience. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Interesting and challenging work

Merchandiser (Current Employee) - Sarnia, ON - 28 February 2022

Interesting, independent work with plants. Follow plan lay out but room for design area within plan and floor space, requires your own decision making in coorperation with Home Depot and employer. Rewarding work if you like working with plants.

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

31 May 2022

Thank you for your excellent review. We're thrilled you loved your experience, and we'll be sure to pass along your kind words. We put our employee satisfaction as a priority, and your review affirms the hard work we contribute daily. Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Jobs at Complete Merchandising Solutions

Horrible hours and even worse pay.

Merchandising (Former Employee) - Ontario - 16 December 2021

Scheduling nightmare working there, no heads up on hours/shifts, your making below minimum wage if you are driving your own vehicle to multiple stores and need to report unnecessary tasks constantly on your phone. i would recommend this job to a 13 year old, not someone looking for a career.

Pros

none.

Cons

horrible pay, annoying customers.

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

31 May 2022

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We’re sorry your experience didn’t match your expectations. Here at Complete Merchandising Solutions we want our employees to have a positive experience, and enjoy their work. We have addressed your concerns, and have increased our wages, as well as decreased the amount of locations employees are traveling to. Since our vendors are a 3rd party, we rely on them to provide us with a schedule, which we understand can be frustrating. Please feel free to reach out with any further concerns, or suggestions. Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Extremely nice people to work with

Merchandiser (Current Employee) - Newmarket, ON - 21 July 2021

I was really excited to start working here but once you realize just how little the pay is and how hard they work you its not worth it at all. They should be paying at least 20$ an hour with the amount of physical labor and strength you need for the job. Not to mention the scheduling is a complete mess they don't give you your schedule until the Sunday before the week you're working so literally one day notice for your shift. Also you have to do your own timesheet and payroll and fill out so many columns and take so many pictures and upload them to the company app of what you do every day because you work alone and NO ONE is ever around. The people that you work with at home depot are amazing, and the supervisor is really great, but that's about the only good things. Don't waste your time you'll get nowhere.

Pros

Nice people

Cons

Terrible pay, to much travel, horrible scheduling, too much hard work for no money.

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

31 May 2022

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We’re sorry your experience didn’t match your expectations. Here at Complete Merchandising Solutions we want our employees to have a positive experience, and enjoy their work. We have addressed your concerns, and have increased our wages, as well as improved our interview process to ensure a proper fit. Since our vendors are a 3rd party, we rely on them to provide us with a schedule, which we understand can be frustrating. Please feel free to reach out with any further concerns, or suggestions. Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Good seasonal job for someone who can manage their time efficiently.

Merchandising Supervisor (Former Employee) - Mississauga/Brampton - 13 February 2021

Good variety of tasks keeps workday interesting. Weekly record keeping for self and staff. Need to work independently as well as with store staff and speak easily with store management for assistance. Lots of driving, working in all types of weather. Some heavy lifting, using pump trucks. Knowledge of plants an asset. Daily use of cell phone for time/task tracking required.

Pros

Fellows workers good to work with

Cons

Wage low

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

31 May 2022

Thank you for taking the time to leave us your review. We appreciate your feedback, and comments. We put our employee satisfaction as a priority, and your review reaffirms the hard work we contribute daily. Thank you,CMS Human Resources

Flexible schedules, lots of interaction with team and customers

Area Supervisor (Current Employee) - Brampton, ON - 17 August 2020

This season has been extremely challenging. However there is always someone available to answer any and all questions. There was some training before the season started but nothing could prepare you for working through covid-19. Family oriented and I am always able to keep outside appointments. Work schedule is very flexible.

Pros

flexibility, management easy to talk to. Always helpful.

Cons

Not many hours

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

31 May 2022

Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a great compliment. Even through challenges such as Covid-19, we are thrilled you loved your experience and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words. We put our employee satisfaction as a priority, and your review reaffirms the hard work we contribute daily. Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Easy to Manage

Merchandising Supervisor (Current Employee) - Sault Ste. Marie, ON - 28 February 2020

Working here is very laid back and gives you the freedom to work when you are most easily able to. You get 24 hours from the time of delivery to go to the store to merchandise. I like that you don't have to drop everything and go right away. Management is very nice and is always there to answer any questions. They give very thorough instructions so you never feel lost as to what you're supposed to be doing. A nice job to have on the side, no complaints.

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

31 May 2022

Thank you for leaving us such a great compliment. We are so glad you enjoyed your time working with us, and felt your schedule was flexible. We appreciate your comments and we’re happy you had such a positive experience with us.Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Comforatble work Environment

Vendor (Current Employee) - Fredericton, NB - 5 December 2019

good work environment. great team to work with. they are willing to help me in any given case. keeping me up to date on any changes with delivieries and products. good pay and always on time.

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

31 May 2022

Thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. We appreciate your feedback and strive to ensure our employees have the best work experience, and are given all the help they need to succeed. We are so glad you felt comfortable working with us, and that you enjoyed your time at Complete Merchandising Solutions.Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Productive and a fun seasonal job

Seasonal Merchandiser (Former Employee) - Toronto, ON - 20 November 2019

I enjoyed the physical aspect of the job and being able to work outside. Yes it is hard work, but I prefer that to sitting at a desk. My Supervisor would tell me that she appreciated my hard work and dedication. I also enjoyed learning about various plants and trying to help customers when I could. Overall, I would recommend this as a seasonal job and hope to return next Spring.

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

31 May 2022

Thank you for leaving us such a positive review. Our employees are one of our top priorities, and ensuring our employees are helped when needed is essential. We are so grateful for your kind words!Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Fun job however the pay and management are horrible

Plant Merchandiser (Former Employee) - Toronto, ON - 18 October 2019

The actual job is great, I found setting up beautiful plant displays and helping customers choose was quite rewarding. In addition, the employees overall at Home Depot are really fun and very helpful. The pay however is ridiculous for the amount of work involved and heavy lifting. The deliveries are generally always late, sometimes even by many hours. If you don't have to ever work with the owner then the actual job is fun. They also cut hours without notice and over the winter expect even less. If you don't need a lot of money, like plants and need the exercise then this would be a good fit, otherwise avoid entirely!

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

31 May 2022

We are very sorry to hear you had a frustrating experience, but we really appreciate you bringing this to our attention. To address your concerns, we have increased our employee wages to ensure our employees are being paid fairly for their work. In terms of the deliveries, our vendors are a 3rd party, and we rely on them to provide us with a schedule, which we have no control over. Additionally, since we merchandise plants, the amount of work can vary from season to season, which may mean slower days. We are glad you had fun while working, and were able to learn about plants and their displays. Please feel free to reach out with any further concerns or suggestions. Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Flexible Schedule

Project Manager and Visual Merchandiser (Former Employee) - Toronto, ON - 26 August 2019

Traveled to different retailers to merchandise and make purchase orders fro new inventory. Busy during Christmas. Get compensated for gas/mileage but not much.

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

31 May 2022

Thank you for your comment, and for taking the time to bring this to our attention. We appreciate your feedback, and have increased employee wages to ensure employees are paid fairly for their work. We are also decreasing the amount of locations merchandisers are traveling to, to reduce driving time and gas prices. Thank you again for your review.Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Wasn't worth it.

Merchandiser (Former Employee) - Hamilton, ON - 28 May 2019

Pros + Working outside + Some of the people are pretty cool Cons - Lack of scheduling in part to poor management, size of company compared to managers, and getting dicked around by suppliers - Lack of communication on what is expected to be done. -Merchandise locations may fight you over what they want done, but most stores are accommodating if it was needed. - May get fired without any communication beforehand if you're not perceived as doing the expected. -Minimum wage pay for work that's worth more. -False hiring pretense. I was working more locations as well as more sporadic, and not as many hours as I was told when I agreed during the hiring interview. -Lots of travel for little work.

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

31 May 2022

Thank you for taking the time to leave your comments. We are very sorry you had a bad experience at Complete Merchandising Solutions. To address your concerns, we have increased employee wages to ensure employees are paid fairly for their work. Additionally we have decreased the amount of locations employees travel to, in order to limit driving time and gas prices. Since our vendors are a 3rd party, we rely on them to provide us with a schedule, which we understand can be frustrating. Our employee satisfaction is very important to us, and ensuring our employees are doing their best work is critical. Thank you for your review, if you have any suggestions or comments, please feel free to contact us.Thank you, CMS Human Resources

Fun job but poorly organised

Visual Merchandiser (Former Employee) - Montréal, QC - 10 January 2019

Was a lot of fun to do the job but the pay was terrible and they wanted you to have your own vehicle to get around with even with the bad pay! Scheduling and planning was non existent

Pros

laid back, fun people

Cons

poorly manageed

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Official response from Complete Merchandising Solutions

31 May 2022

Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. To address your concerns we have increased employee wages to better compensate for the work done. Additionally, we have decreased the amount of locations employees are traveling to. Thanks again for your comments. Please feel free to reach out if you have any more comments or suggestions.Thank you, CMS Human Resources