though it did offer a few words of caution. Writer Beth Kowitt questioned whether the company might lose its "charm" and ‘’quirky cool" as it expanded. One former employee explained, “In the early days we never tried to be the neighborhood store." In other words, he believed the local neighborhood feel of those early southern California stores was more authentic. Kowitt cited other ex -crewmembers who worried about growing bureaucracy at the company, as it implemented new processes and procedures. Gardiner expressed some concern as well. He described how recent changes had led to increased competition among employees seeking advancement.