Pros
My coworkers were some of the most passionate, giving, loyal people I've known. For the most part, you worked there because you cared- certainly not for the money. I was able to move across the country with this company, thanks to transferring stores. Full-time employees are provided healthcare, a 401k, and other benefits, namely an astounding employee discount. Daily tasks are usually varied, and a certain amount of independence and responsibility is entrusted to staff.
Cons
6 years to the day, I was fired without cause over the phone, along with over 2000 other people. I had been told I would be able to use my accrued vacation time during our mandatory store closure due to COVID-19. We were reassured over and over that the company had our best interests at heart and that they were doing everything possible during this pandemic. Throughout the month of March, corporate management failed to anticipate the severity of the crisis, choosing to downplay the pandemic to keep stores open during a large sale, staying open to the hazard of staff and customers, and changing the narrative from day to day. Communication with staff was sporadic and confusing. I along with many others who did not feel safe working with the public was reassured multiple times that corporate was taking our concerns seriously. When our company closed to the public I was told we would be maintaining staff and store functions at a minimum, but that my job was secure. When the Shelter in place order was given, I was told I would have 5 days of paid administrative leave, then vacation time for any days I was not one of 2 people at the store scheduled. I was never scheduled, and on April 2, I received a phone call from my store manager wherein he read a form letter informing me that I was being terminated. I had no warning, nor did I have any disciplinary issues or other infractions on my record. In the following days, the HR hotline fired employees were provided has gone to voicemail. The company has made no public statement about the firings. In summary, Half Price Books claims to be a company that values its employees and customers. It doesn't.