Pros
-Giving Back: on a global scale but also locally every Monday. This allows you to truly see the impact what you do on a daily basis has on the community your store is on. -Service Trips: we just found out at our Stand Out Summit (manager meetings) that they're taking 20 people on their first ever service trip to Peru. Why Peru? This is where Altar'd State is building schools, feeding, clothing & educating under privileged children through our partnership with Coprodeli USA. -Unlimited Growth: I took a step back to take a step forward long term. I started at a much lower volume store than what I was used to, but knew that long term it would be worth it, wow was I right! The growth opportunities come 100% faster than any other retailer. -Internal Growth: this company truly believes in the power of people. They consistently look internally to fill positions before ever thinking of looking external. I have 3 Assistants who now manage their own store, and have 2 more ready to go when a position opens for them. If you're someone who strongly believes and enjoys developing people, this is the place for you! -Constant Change: while someone would list this as a con, it's 100% a pro in my opinion. I am someone who likes to feel challenged and pushed to my limits- that is exciting to me. I've changed so much in the last 4 years because Altar'd State has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, take risks, and never settle for less than the best. -CEO & President: Aaron & Brian are two of the most incredible people you will ever meet. Our core values spell out SERVICE and they represent each value, but most of all Selfless. They both put everyone & everything above their own needs and I truly believe that is why Altar'd State is so successful. When you are lead by Servant Leadership, that's how you learn to lead as well. -Benefits: as I enter my 4th year of employment I will have 2 weeks vacation, plus another week given by Aaron as a thank you for working hard during 4th quarter- unheard of, right? That was announced at our manager meetings in 4th quarter after being given a gift card to get a pedicure. I also have 3 personal days, 5 sick days, 1 comp day for my birthday and comp days for all holidays. We offer health, dental, vision, 401k, student Lon repayment program & sabbatical program during 5th year of employment. -Product & Visuals: we get incredibly, beautiful, unique product. And what makes it even better is the freedom to be creative with the product. Employees get 40% off anything you can wear to work with quarterly 50% off perks.
Cons
We get a lot of product in the stores. Shipment has always been a challenge because we never really know what to expect. We can look at our UPS account but it only accurately updates in the system the morning of. This makes planning your schedule difficult but luckily we do schedule on call shifts to protect our business & this is a great solution. They did recently hire someone to help get allocations in line, and everyone is very excited about the positive changes that will take place this year! Sudden changes in the operations calendar can make a Store Manager frustrated. I know that Altar'd State is being proactive to the business instead of reacting when it's too late, and while I appreciate that, it's still very challenging from a scheduling perspective. You tell your team they can't request off on a certain day due to floorset and 2-3 weeks before it's changed and you've already approved requests off for the date it got moved to and now you do not have your top talent in the building to help execute.
