Let's face it, current & former employees...oh and the vendor community too, TALK. I left over a year ago (my choice, not ASO's) and I keep in touch with former colleagues (the few that are still there, that is) & vendors. When you go through 5 solid years of "looming layoffs" turned into actual layoffs (most predicted pretty accurately by the "leakers", FACT) you band together and you talk, fret, & worry.
It's exhausting & unproductive....I couldn't do it anymore...so I got off my a-- and did something (yes, there is life on the other side). I'm not bitter, just kinda sad. Hopes of a turnaround are fading/gone. I went in a store a few months ago (first time since I left) and literally cried at what my old category, and the store as a whole has become...it's a disgrace to Academy's core values & painful to see. In an ever-increasing & complicated market, retailers must stay relevant & ASO has lost sight of that IMO. My wish for my friends still there, hoping to survive the next round of "slash & burn", is to network & prepare for your next move. Take care of #1 (you!) **sidenote: really encouraged to hear MG has exited....a glimmer of hope....okay a sliver maybe, but it's something…
Well said @Xbd5yF3-nlp . Decided to repost this.