(231 reviews)

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Company Profile

Company overview

Industry

Fashion Retail & Department Stores

Company size

More than 10,000

Primary location

14 Shepherd Court, North Geelong, VIC 3215 Australia

To 'Cotton On' to something means to understand or discover the potential of a great idea.As a Group, we've always believed in big ideas matched with a fierce will to bring them to life.In 23 years, the Cotton On Group has grown to become Australia's largest value fashion group, with eight brands in over 1,300 retail stores in 17 countries across the world, driven by a team of over 20,000 passionate people, and growing. Central to this is the lifeblood of our organisation and the Group's philanthropic arm, the Cotton On Foundation.Source: this is an extract from the company's own website

Reviews overview

3.4231 ratings in total

5

64

4

61

3

45

2

32

1

29

84%

Rate salary as high or average

68%

Employees recommend this employer to friends

What’s it like working at Cotton On?

AI summary of recent reviews

Cotton On employees consistently highlight several positive aspects of working for the company, including the generous staff discount and additional perks. The workplace culture is frequently praised, with many employees appreciating the friendly environment and strong team atmosphere that allows for building meaningful connections with colleagues.

However, employees also face some workplace challenges, including managing high workload expectations with limited resources. There are concerns about management support and communication in some locations, while shift allocation can be inconsistent, particularly for casual staff. Additionally, some employees indicate that training programs could be more comprehensive, with many having to learn through on-the-job experience.

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Recent reviews

2.0

Retail Sales Assistant

Mar 2026

Sorrento VIC 3943Less than 1 year in the role, former employee

Negative due to inconsistent management & evident favouritism.

The good thingsThe location and wearing what you want

The challengesAs a ex team member at Cotton On, I saw firsthand how strong the brand is in terms of style and customer engagement, but there are areas that could be strengthened. Customers would sometimes raise concerns about quality and fabric durability, particularly with basics, so improving consistency there could really elevate the brand. Sizing differences between styles also occasionally caused frustration in fitting rooms, so greater standardisation would enhance the shopping experience. Expanding inclusive sizing in-store and increasing transparency around sustainability would also help build deeper customer trust and loyalty. Opportunities, shifts, and development should be distributed based on clear and consistent criteria rather than perceived favouritism. providing better training and support for less experienced team members would also help them grow confidently in their roles.

1.0

Full Time Team Member

Oct 2025

Hurstville NSW 2220Less than 1 year in the role, former employee

The ad they posted was not transparent, they did not specify that it was a "body" role and that men were not going to be hired no matter what. They hired me as a full timer in the body section but it soon became clear that they expected me to take on the role of the department manager without promotion, training or pay. When I clarified that I was not the department manager and would not do the work designated to the department manager, I was taken in for my three month review, done by an outside manager, and told I was not fulfilling my role and I should either get with the program, or get out. I chose to leave because as a disabled person I could not physically or mentally take on what they wanted from me. Overall this company is not as good as everyone makes it seem, they are not inclusive or understanding and I would never work for them again.

The good thingsNice co-workers and good staff discount

The challengesManagement pushes employees to take on a huge workload, more than their position requires, and they force you to do work that was never disclosed in your job description. Including work that is physically dangerous or that they had never trained you to do.

2.0

Manager

Nov 2024

Chermside QLD 40321 to 2 years in the role, former employee

Depressing. Undervalue staff that actually do their jobs properly. Favouritism within the company is a big problem causing unfair advantages. Terrible salary if you are in management and absolutely no support when you need it. HR does nothing about work place issues nor does management. No room for progression unless you want to be in management and even then you’ll be waiting a long time. They will push staff to resign. Management have no idea how to nurture and support young staff especially.

The good thingsGreat Friendships and decent discounts

The challengesManagement, very clicky and toxic. Low salaries. Horrible work environment

Ratings for Cotton On are shared as-is from employees in line with our community guidelines

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