This document provides an orientation for new Express associates. It covers HR policies and systems, scheduling procedures, the Express brand and customer experience expectations. Associates are instructed on merchandise, fitting procedures, and the GUEST selling model. Conflict management and safety protocols are also outlined. The orientation emphasizes delivering excellent customer service and compliance with all Express policies to avoid termination.
5. The schedule is posted everyTuesday for the
following week.
Our schedule is from Sunday-Saturday
You MUST view the schedule at work and NOT
on the ETM.
If you are scheduled for an “on call” shift which
will view as “o/c” on the schedule, you must call
two hrs in advance to see if you are needed. No
call will result in being written up.
If you are scheduled to 10pm, you are closing.
We take pride in a clean, neat and tidy store.You
may not finish until about 10:30pm.
6. If you are running late, you must call the
store.
If you decide to not show up for a shift you
will be written up.
If something comes up and you cannot work
a shift, you must notify a manager to find
someone to cover your shift.
Please keep in mind failure to follow the rules
will result in termination.
7. Do the right thing and do things right
Begin and end with our customers in mind
Passion with a purpose
Performance matters
Creative collaboration
8. WhoWe Are
TheThree CustomerTouchpoints
The GUEST Selling Model
Basic Customer Service Skills
Conflict Management
Lifestyles
Core Product
The Associate Projection
9. Express is the must-have sexy, sophisticated
fashion brand for work, the weekend or going
out
Sixth largest specialty apparel brand in the
U.S. with revenue over $2.0 billion
Global trends inspire Express’ unique product
10. We are not like other retailers.We take pride
delivering a great customer experience.
What does the Express Experience look like?
Offer 100% customer service to every customer
Recommend product
Share promotions and your name
Start fitting rooms and check back
Add on at the cash wrap- Express Next Credit
Card and Express Next Rewards Program
Always thank customers for their business
11. Merchandise available in a clean, neat and
tidy store
Associate available for assistance and
knowledgeable
An efficient cash wrap experience
12. Our new selling model is called GUEST. It is an
acronym.
G- Greet customers “Hi!Welcome to Express!”
U- Undercover needs “What can I help you find?”
E- Engage with customers “My name is…”
S- Suggest additional items “Check out these
jeans”
T-Thank them for their business “Thanks for
coming in!”
Remember we do not call our customers guests.
It’s just an easy way to remember the model.
13. Communication
Body Language
Nonverbal communication
Please refer to your manual on Customer
Service and Conflict Management
17. A customer walks into Express. It is her first time in the
store, but you do not know that.You are too busy in the
corner folding pants to notice that she has walked into the
store. She stares at the dresses and you continue to work
in the corner. She finally approaches you and asks you
about the new dresses in stock. She wants to know how
they fit.You proceed to fold and not make eye contact
with her.You tell her “uh, I don’t know. Let me ask my
manager.”
What is wrong with this scenario? Did the associate
present good body language? Did the associate see the
nonverbal cues from the customer? Did the associate
communicate clear, confident and correctly? Please role
play the correct way this situation should’ve played out.
18. Types of Conflict
Five Step Engagement Model
20. Recognize the difficult situation
Listen and stay objective
Seek to understand and empathize
Set expectations for a solution
Take action
21. I challenge you as young working professional to try
to resolve conflict scenarios on your own before
asking for a manager.You will have to learn how to
deal with these challenging situations someday.Why
not start now?
You are working on the cash wrap.The phone rings
and you answer it.The customer on the other end is
very upset because he was over charged for an item
on his receipt and lives 45 minutes away. Please tell
me what kind of conflict style you would use, and act
out the five step engagement model.
24. The Editor Pant (Slim, Barley Boot and Flare
leg)
The Columnist Pant (Slim, Barley Boot, Slim
Flare and Flare
Activity: let’s try on and discuss the fits
25. Leg shapes Core Fits
Leggings Zelda- Ultra Low Rise
Skinny Rerock- Ultra Low Rise
Barley Boot Stella- Low Rise
Boot Mia- Mid Rise
Boyfriend
Activity: let’s try on and discuss the fits
26. Bra Cami
Portofino Shirt
Essential Shirt
Activity: Let’s try on and discuss the fits
28. Leg Shapes Core Fits
Skinny Alec- Skinny
Straight Rocco- Slim
Boot Kingston- Classic
Blake- Loose
Activity: Let’s try on and discuss the fits
29. 1MX Extra Slim
1MX Fitted
1MX Modern
Activity: Let’s try on and discuss the fits
30. You are not required to wear Express, but
there are three items that must be if worn.
Denim, graphics and polos MUST BE
EXPRESS.You cannot wear denim, graphics
or polos from any other retailer.
You need to look Express when you come to
work.You wanted a job here so you need to
love the product.
Failure to follow the Associate Projection will
result in termination.
31. Insider Guide
Code of Conduct
Loss and Prevention
Speak Up Program
Safety Sense
32. Employment at will- employment is not
guaranteed and the Company or you, as the
Associate, may terminate employment at any
time.
Open door policy- we have an open door
policy. If you have any questions or concerns,
contact your manager, HR partner or Ethics
hotline. 1.877.571.9743
Merchandise Discount- This discount is for
you, your spouse or eligible dependents.
33. As an associate you have the responsibility
to:
Keep to the code
Ask when you are not sure what is expected
Speak up
Be honest
Provide a respectful, positive work
environment
Keep company information confidential
34. All items MUST be placed in a locker.This
means cell phones and IPods.They are
prohibited on the sales floor.
You must be walked to the front of the store
by a manager at all times when you leave or
take a break.Your bags will be checked.
Do not steal from our company.You will be
prosecuted. Failure to follow these
procedures will result in termination.
35. If you feel one of your co-workers is being
dishonest you are encouraged to SPEAK UP.
Express pays $500 to any associate who
reports any leads involving internal theft or
fraud.
Text or email: EXPLP@Express.com
36. Know how to handle fixtures and operate
equittment properly.
Know emergency evacuation procedures
Be aware of situations that may involve
workplace violence
Maintain housecleaning standards of clean
dry floors
Know about chemical products in the
workplace
37. Your Shift
Store Organization
Terms to Know
PostTraining
38. Arrive 10 minutes early
Place your personal items in a locker
Clock on
Review the daily focus board
Chat –in with your CSL
Go to your designated zone
Deliver a great experience
Chat – out with your CSL
Collect items for bag check and clock out
39. Our store is divided into 5 areas.
Zone 1 is the very front of the store and the
first impression the customer receives
Zone 2 is women’s studio and fitting rooms
Zone 4 is denim and the denim fits
Men’s is considered men’s
The cash wrap is the last impression the
customer receives.
40. ADS (Average Dollar Sale)
Conversion
CSL (Customer Sales Lead)
Go Backs
Hot Zone
Peak Day
Segments
UPT (Units PerTransaction)
IBC (In Between Customers)
41. By your second shift, you will receive an
Associate Observation to check your progress
E-Learning-You will have to complete the
following course as part of your sales
education