Coldwater Creek (Sandpoint: job market, living in, safe)

[fmors]

I am considering a job with Coldwater Creek and relocating to Sandpoint from the Asheville North Carolina area. Can somebody shed some light on the company Coldwater Creek and the Sandpoint area? I am afraid that if I pursue this job I might find myself in the same situation that I am currently in. I am a software developer and I am living in a beautiful area in which my wife and I enjoy hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but there are little to no employment opportunities. My current company has merged with a sister company and as a result they have moved the corporate headquarters from Asheville to Valencia California. My job does not seem to be in immediate danger, but it is probably only a matter of time before they eventually close the Asheville facility. Any feedback on Coldwater Creek would be greatly appreciated.

[Torrie]

I loooveee Coldwater Creek! BUT.......I would proceed cautiously. I have watched their stock drop tremendously since the economic downturn. I've heard rumors that they might fold, I hope that's all they are......just be careful. Maybe one of the locals on here might know the real scoop.

[Sage of Sagle]

Coldwater Creek employs several people I know. But they have a reputation for some fairly unpredictable HR moves, so you should have your eyes wide open and try to be sure you have some contractual assurances coming into it...

[mistyriver]

My husband used to work for CC as a software developer and I would second what Sage posted. They have tremendous turnover and a lot of unhappy employees unless something has changed radically in the past few years.
I know a lot of people stranded here when CC had layoffs and some of their HR practices were pretty questionable in my opinion. When my husband made the decision to move on and change careers in order to stay in this area, it was a relief.
They had a tendency to really burn through talent. Be careful.

[fmors]

Thank y'all for the feedback. I will definitely proceed with caution. I am very much intrigued with the Sandpoint area, but not enough so to be stuck in job that I don't like. From the pictures I have seen of Sandpoint it looks to be a beautiful place with many outdoor activities available; however, I am concerned with the long and harsh winters. There are a lot of things to consider.

[pll]

Stay where you are. Don't come to Idaho. Especially if you plan on moving to Sandpoint. There is nothing there. Plus times are tough in the job market here. Play it safe and stay where you are or move to a place where there is a larger metro center nearby. It's too rural there. Check out Seattle or Portland if you want to move to the pacific northwest. There's more job security there and you can live away from the city if you want.

[fmors]

I would like to thank everybody who responded to this thread both publicly and privately. The City-Data forum is a God send. I am going to stay put for the time being.

[cdalies]

You made a good decision! I got laid off from Coldwater Creek and I cannot find work here
and I am in Coeur d' Alene not Sandpoint. Sandpoint has far less work than here.
People need to be cautious the job market here is horrible right now.

[archanasheth]

My boyfriend and I both worked for them in Sandpoint, ID. He was among the layoffs of 2008. He finally found a job and we moved to Dallas this past August. CWC does seem to be improving, but Sandpoint is such a small town. They are the only big employer there followed by Walmart. If the job doesn't work out, finding another there is challenging.

[rangoonz]

I would not recommend taking a position of any kind at Coldwater Creek. I relocated to Sandpoint for a senior level position with the company, only to find gross mismanagement and a work environment that is extremely affected by very toxic internal politics. Combine that with Coldwater's downward spiraling business and failing stock, i think it's clear this is a company any truly talented individual should avoid at all costs. Sandpoint itself is a wonderful rural community with an abundance of great year-around activities for the outdoor enthusiast. It is somewhat remote and services are limited, so you have to be okay with that.