CPI Corp. (fka CPICQ)

[SoDone]

I have heard that he is head of the company as well, but you have not missed any official news or anything cause there hasn't been any! I am kinda sad they aren't just closing! Oh well, I have decided it is my last Christmas here!! Can't work for them any longer! :( Same higher ups, same crap!

[snapshot23]

So what is going on with the lawsuit?

I heard a rumour with regards the company (a certain former higher up who has been touring Ontario studios as of lately may be our new owner) . Note this is a rumour and not fact.

I did get an email advertising on location photography and at the bottom it said we were part of portraits unlimited the largest group of photographers or something to that effect. I must of missed the official announcement .

I have also caught wind of some meeting in September with the dms in St. Louis? My guess is some kind of welcome to the company kind of thing.

Like I said all of this is just snippets that I have caught wind of, none of this other then the on location email none of I can confirm as fact.
If anyone can confirm or deny any of this please chime in.

[crazylady]

How funny, someone bought twelve stocks today. They spent a whole penny to do this. Still remember when stock was worth $80.00 per share.

[secret santa]

I cannot wait and am on the hunt for a new job, I will say that CPI has given us "transferable skills". I've had some amazing interviews and have been offered higher paying positions with commission. Don't sell yourself short, no harm no foul in looking for another job!

[SoDone]

I really wish they would just get on with it already! I think we are all sick and tired of working for a Lying, Cheating company, and many of us are trapped in the job...waiting for them to finally shut the doors so we can collect unemployment! It is sickening that they can continue this underhanded activity, and get away with it!

[crazylady]

I think it is funny that they may change the name to photos unlimited. Yet nothing Is out the world wide web shows for the new name and the portrait studios. Also, how do still sell stock that is only worth .001 cents. Company stock info still states stores in United States. I believe this is just another scheme to keep everyone hanging on til they decide to pull the plug. They have no ethics, which has been proven over and over again.

[muchwow]

They're going to continue operating under a new name Photos Unlimited.
Same shit different pile.

[crazylady]

CPI Corp. et al., Debtor CPI Canadian Holdings, Inc., Debtor Plaintiffs allege that they were terminated without cause due to mass layoffs and/or permanent plant closing carried out on or about 4-3-2013. Plaintiffs claim that, under the Worker Adjustment and Retaining Act (“WARN Act”), they were entitled to receive written notice sixty (60) days in advance of their respective termination. Plaintiffs contend that they did not receive proper notice and believe that they, therefore, are entitled to an award of sixty (60) days’ wages and benefits, reduced by the value of wages and benefits for the number of days of any advance written notice that CPI Corp. and CPI Canadian Holdings, Inc. (collectively, the Defendants”) properly provided, and the Defendants are therefore, responsible for the alleged violations of the WARN Act

[crazylady]

The information came directly from our lawyer Mr. Ercole whom is charge of our warn lawsuit. The judge fourd CPI could be liable in motion hearing and ordered all clients to be informed that there would be final hearing on Aug 15th. Hope the best for everyone. I am sorry you guys are involved but, their practices are illegal, and they have been busted!!

[secret santa]

Hoe this link works
Prepared by Brenda Berkley - Office of the Attorney General
oag.dc.gov/.../CAFA%20April%202014....
Apr 9, 2014 - Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA) Notices in April 2014, to the ... and misleading statements and do not warn consumers ..... that CPI Corp. and CPI Canadian Holdings, Inc. (collectively ...
http://oag.dc.gov/sites/default/files

[JustDucky]

]Well I made my escape, moved away and quit the job, far enough to collect UI. Knowing this, I had made great efforts to have my vacation pay paid out in full so as to not screw my claim. All paid up, CPI said. We owe you nothing more, thats it, they said. 6 weeks later and my UI claim is stalled to the end of September because I was still owed 3000 in back vacation pay! WTF?!! Now the govt has claimed 1/3, so thats gone, and no UI until Sept 30th. This was MY money, I ASKED for it and they said it didnt exist. They got the interest off of it, and didnt file my claim until they absolutely had to. This company is so crooked they find head up your ass a comfortable position. I hope the get a royal screwing by the courts, lord knows they have enough to nail them on SEVERAL violations, not just their consistant moral redundancy.

[MN85]

Where did this information come from. I cant find anything

[crazylady]

Guess the stock took another dive. Proving you can't milk a turnip I guess.

[secret santa]

Hmm interesting! Thanks for keeping us Canadians in the loop!! No one deserves to be treated the way the employees have!

[crazylady]

Well CPI corp WARN lawsuit is coming to an end. First hearing went great. Only a 16 more days till the judge throws the book at CPI!! Question is will they close their doors before than to avoid paying. They are so shady I wouldn't doubt it. Paying 4200 employees 60 days wages plus benefits. Can't wait to see what happens. Wonder what kind of underhanded tricks they will pull? Another sale of the company? Another bankruptcy? I feel bad for anyone who is still enduring their manipulation and unethical practices.

[SoDone]

I heard yesterday that the photographers were being paid their regular hourly wages with mileage for travel. Definitely not enough to get me to do it!!! And you are right...I'd want to see samples!! And how inconvenient for them...what if they are only all together for that day or something? Ugh...I can see it failing badly!

[secret santa]

Have been waiting for someone to comment on this new strategy. I too wonder how much the photographers are being paid. And that customers can pay same prices as we offer in studio?? And have to come to studio to pick out the pictures?? As a customer I would want to see sample work of the photographer first.

[SoDone]

So, just curious if anyone out there is willing to do the "on location" photography?? I know I am not willing to go and shoot a family for an hour out doors, possibly with animals and get my CRAP wages for it! I could shoot a family at a park on my own and get a hell of a lot more out of it!! I find it RIDICULOUS!!

[SoDone]

I do remember those days!! :( When I started we were still PCA, and honestly even they treated us better!

[secret santa]

Hmm so I see hours are changing at all sears locations. Anyone miss the old CPI? You know when family came first, employees felt valued, incentives and recognition by corporate (heck they even called the studios) and appointments were plentiful?

[MississaugaWMStudio]

Studio website down? I'm noticing that the portrait studio site is down, no matter how you try to get in to it either directly or through links. The Mexican one is up. Anyone else seeing this?

[muchwow]

I'm seeing all of the same things you've mentioned, recent shake up with managers in my host store, my cupboard is bursting with stuff I don't really need, and hours watch is tighter than ever. It's been pretty quiet otherwise.

Sorry to hear that PixlChk, Keep your chin up, I wish you the best!

[JustDucky]

Walmart has done a bit of a purge it aeems. All middle managers (over department managers but under store managers) have been reassigned to other positions, or most just let go permanently. In my area, at least. Any others out there seeing this? If they are watching wages and cutting back, this could affect whether or not they care to keep our studios as tenants, as they get a % for the rent of our sales, as I understand. Plus we owed them a buttload of backrent in 2013 which didnt make us look too good to the accountants. So sorry, PixlChk, I pesonally hate losing you for feedback! I have knocked myself out trying to find out what is going on with the company, but no amount of back door snooping seems to get any results. I did see on Facebook that there was a settlement offer to all the employees who were left high and dry stateside, but it was an offer letter and hasn't gone through yet, so unless here are any stateside folks still hanging around this board willing to share, thats about all I can do for now.
I will say we are on STRICT hour watch, but my studio is fully stocked with supplies and my paycheque still arrives every week, so here is a cash flow from SOMEWHERE. Sales average to lower than last year, but not embarrasingly so for us. Just taking it day by day.

[secret santa]

Your studio is closing for good or just during renos?

[CdnPxlChk]

Will be closing.

[secret santa]

Any word on what's going on yet?

[CdnPxlChk]

My store is undergoing major renos. Optical and photolab are both being moved to temp locations within the store until their permanent sites are built. Demolition for optical and portrait studio is slated for the last week in May... NO-ONE knows where I am going!! It has been suggested to me that since there is no "real" or "actual" company, why would Walmart invest money in building a new portrait studio when that tenant may not be there in the near future. I could potentially be out of work within three weeks! Not fair that I, my staff and clients are being kept in the dark.

[JustDucky]

Yep, the tag says Photos Unlimited, our delivery schedules have Canadian Images, but our paycheques are from CPI Corp. Google the number on the b2b flyers and you get CPI Corp in St. Louis! Why are we still a St. Louis based company when all the employees and stores are in Canada? Is this how they stay open-multiple new names to hide the parent company? I have no idea how this still floats. Anybody have to do any out of studio work yet, or is this another way of hiding the money?
BTW, still havent signed my letter, and am working as usual. Maybe they just don't want to rock the boat in my small green studio with great photographers, but if that letter had any weight, I should have been at least confronted about my stubborness to actually sign it, don'cha think? Unless my DM is 'hiding' us, that is. Dont see it, but you never know. Anyway, the letter doesnt stand a chance against the Labour Board so you are protected and eligible for UI if they do something shady.
I also have a copy of the letter Bob Cyr put out in 2013 saying how the company wIll keep us informed about everything going on with the sale and changes within the compamy. HA! I read it to have a chuckle on the slow days.

[secret santa]

Anyone notice new asset tag that came for printer says photos unlimited?? Also assuming since we signed employment letter in feb., our 90 days are almost up??

[secret santa]

Throwing them to the wolves after 20 hours isn't enough, no wonder we can't retain employees!

[SoDone]

In total agreement! I know from years ago when I trained I was not ready to be in the studio after 20 hours, and I can tell you from many christmases there that NO ONE will be ready after 20 hours, whether they are on the camera from minute 1 or not! It is just to save them some money! All they have to do is quit giving away so much CRAP for FREE, than we could afford 40 hours of training again!!

[CdnPxlChk]

Thoughts, opinions on the new training? Personally I don't think 20 will be enough to train new staff. I have had people say they did not feel ready after the 40 we have always done. Leaving someone in charge of my studio after that short period kind of makes me nervous.

[MargaretCPI]

Happy Easter everyone! I hope you all have a great weekend with your families.

[nnocha]

Thats the same garbage they fed us last year...i fear you all will be done a couple days after easter. I hope im wrong but it sounds the same

[JustDucky]

Its easy to spend money when you are in recievership on things buisness related, doesnt mean the creditors wont come calling. Even if the company was awesomely successful, I dont think Ican ever trust or respect them ever again.

[secret santa]

Surprising then that the newest pay stubs and "communicate" still say Canadian images.

[MargaretCPI]

Was talking with my DM and yesterday during our studio visit and she was saying that the transaction did go through and that she's looking into getting me a raise. She said that all is great with the company and that she wouldn't be doing studio visits and being put up in hotels if it wasn't. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

[cpiontario]

New Labour Forecasting App!

Just wondering what you think of the new labour forecasting application. And if its showing proper hours for coverage.

Mine showed 4 hours for Tuesday when my studio is suppose to be closed and than 7 hours for Wednesday and Thursday when we are only open 10 to 3. Guessing we could stay till 6 if it was needed.

Also any of the studios who are closed on Tuesday still seeing numbers on the daily sales reports. How do u expect me to make my week when there's extra money put it for days when no one is there.. Frustrating

[nnocha]

Thats the same garbage they fed us last year...i fear you all will be done a couple days after easter. I hope im wrong but it sounds the same

[MargaretCPI]

oh ya I hear ya. I had a customer the other day chew me out because her free 10x13 had to be in the same pose as the one pose coupon. i chuckled and told her that all coupons regardless of where you shop have restrictions. that just happened to be one of the restrictions with that coupon. she was not happy lol. kind of made giggle on the inside. gotta love it when people don't want to pay you for your time and get everything for free.

[muchwow]

If the sale did fall through and they're going with a closure plan, they will not tell us ahead of time. This is fairly standard practice for companies going under, they want us selling until the last minute and avoid any early mental check outs.
It's been pretty quiet, business as usual, big push for sits and sales.
We've been doing a lot of acquisitioning, some of my free customers have been pretty demanding and jerky too. If we're not closing I'm rapidly becoming known as the free stuff studio.

[MargaretCPI]

Just a tad eh? We were supposedly supposed to know if the transaction went through in the first few weeks of March. That never happened so I would assume the transaction didn't go through and the letters are null-in-void. I just wish they would give us an definite answer and stop dragging this out.

[CSPM]

I think the sale transaction has never gone through as they were supposedly to rename the company and asked us to sign the letter. But as of now, no words about the LTC Photo limited and everything is still under the CPI corp. Those people like to toy around with legal issues.

[MargaretCPI]

Like I mentioned before my DM and RM are coming up on Wednesday. Not really sure what we'll be talking about. All I was told was to make sure my studio was PROs. Also found out from my DM that Barb (the head trainer) is no longer with the company. Not sure when that happened. Anyone else have some new news?

[JustDucky]

This still on? I was wondering if there was going to be a meeting at head office this week, as the company has been in recievership 1 year as of Tuesday. Anybody else have any ideas what is shaking this week? DM sightings? Missing RMs? Its like a never ending mystery novel, with the last page ripped out...

[MargaretCPI]

I am getting a visit from my DM and RM on Wednesday. ..should be interesting. My signage is not pro's and still no word from my host store manager if I can put signs throughout walmart. Wonder how long it will take my RM to notice.

[SoDone]

Thanks for sharing! So many things are sounding the same. I am really almost hoping now that they close! I am just so tired of the lies and being treated like we are the reason the company is failing when we are working our asses off trying to recover from all the free crap they give out! I (like most of us) have not had a pay increase in over 5 years... I really am just tired of the promise that they never keep, and tired of lie after lie!!

It is sad to say but I think I will be disappointed if they don't close down!!

[SoDone]

Thanks for sharing! So many things are sounding the same. I am really almost hoping now that they close! I am just so tired of the lies and being treated like we are the reason the company is failing when we are working our asses off trying to recover from all the free crap they give out! I (like most of us) have not had a pay increase in over 5 years... I really am just tired of the promise that they never keep, and tired of lie after lie!!

It is sad to say but I think I will be disappointed if they don't close down!!

[free2bme]

Yes. We were pushed. We were told we were self sustaining now, and we had to make money to make payroll. We were also told that we had prospective buyers, then, not yet, and "Don't Worry".

You all have to understand, that your DMs are being fed the same lines you are. They can only tell you what they have been told. When we "went dark", they got a conference call, at night, telling them that they no longer had a job. A lot of them had believed everything they were told, so they were totally unprepared for that. But a lot of them stepped up and started calling their Studio Managers to let them know. Some just had to stop because their hearts were broken too. In less than a year I'd had 4 different DMs, so by the time mine got through calling her regulars, she just let the grapevine finish it for her. I found out by a text from a friend who used to work for the company.

They were already in the process of closing 300 studios, who were all being packed up and readied to be shipped out on Friday, when Wednesday night they voted to close effective immediately. They put the pop up on the SAS computer Wednesday night, before some studios had even finished closing, so imagine that, you're still working when you find out.

Their benchmark last year was Easter. They wanted the Easter sales, and 3 days later we went dark.

[MargaretCPI]

Ya we are to. We just had a region wide contest with spin to win. All because Michael's team got "1000" sits booked last wednesday.