Pay rate starts at only $9-10.50/hr.
No holiday pay unless you're Full-Time. But be prepared for the possibility of still working on a holiday ( unless AZ is closed).
No benefits because they start you off as Part-Time (unless they hire you as management). But they make you work undesirablly long and unusual Full-Time shifts when its to management's or another Zoners advantage (see below). And you still won't get any benefits unless you work an average amount of Full-Time hours in one year. And only because at that point they're forced to do so by law. But don't worry, the stingy suckers will slow your hours down in just enough time to prevent offering benefits.
Gossip and rumors flow around the store more than water flowing through the rivers. Seriously.
Expressing your problems to upper management is just the same as not expressing them at all! (Speaking from experience). There's kinda an "oh well" type of thing going on.
Slower location than others. Veerrrryyy slow. Most days, even the shortest shifts seem to drag for eternity.
Hours are based on sales. So if you're store isn't meeting sales goals due to inadequate business, you're scheduled less hours... Unless, of course, someone quits (as usual) or management or a "favorited team member" wants to take one of their many vacations, or just simply wants time off... At that point, you'll gain a few more hours, which adds a few extra gas money dollars to your check.
The relationships between management and upper management are obvious and seem much more personal than they should be, creating a feeling of favoritism. Ex: Favoritism is clearly shown as far as special request (time off and not working EVERY SINGLE closing and weekend shifts [ that is almost guaranteed]).
There is hardly any work/life balance.
The attendance point system interferes with a good work environment by causing employees to give up on being dedicated to their job. Ex: If you're car breaks down and you call in late (well in advance) and even find adequate coverage, you've stll earned yourself a point. You have a medical emergency? That's another point. You could be an excellent worker (dedicated, knowledge, detailed oriented, professional, etc.), but management will constantly write you up for "violating the attendance policy," which possibly makes you look for another job because you feel as though you'll soon be terminated.
Advancement arises only because people quit! Accepting the duties that come along with promotions aren't worth the less-than-a-dollar raise.
Customers are rude sometimes, but that's expected in a retail environment. However, there's always the customers who want to "speak with a guy" although you may know more about their needs and have more solutions than they could even provide for themselves!
AZ is completely focused on Zoners remembering the pledge, wearing your little pins (similar to Girl/Boy Scout pins), up-selling customers, out-selling competitors, and rearranging the store's inventory layout often. AZ does not care about it's Zoners.
So many more complaints to express, so little patience (or time) to type it all. By no means is AZ the place to feel secure with starting a career, it's just a j-o-b...Nothing
more.
