Pros
- Seeing all the cool products come in (if you're a crafter) - Closing early (doors close at 8 pm 95% of the time) -Ability to work in different areas of the store -after a couple of months to a year, you learn the ins and outs about the store and sales ad. -management team is pretty flexible with hours and time off. If you need to come an hour later because of an appt. or accident, they're flexible with that (at least my managers were) -Even if they need more employees for the day they generally wont call you on your day off unless they severely need the help. This is great when you're used to a place that never respected home/ work life balance. -Employee discount can be applied on all items, even clearanced product -As an employee, can use the 40% coupon, too.
Cons
(I understand that some of these Cons might be specific to my workplace) - The management team seems to care about you, and some do, but in reality they are about only themselves and their bonus at the end of the day. - Some of the most irritating and rude customers I've ever met in my entire life. -will not bring you on as a full-timer even if they see you have great capabilities because the management team is cheap -will move you around the store and work you harder than a "rented mule" (as my coworkers joke) just to squeeze they're money out of you -No light at the end of the tunnel - No possibility of moving up unless a full-time employee quits or you move locations. -Lots of gossiping and backstabbing. Yes, believe it or not, just because this company is Christian, does not mean its the greatest place to work - its still retail. -I understand loss prevention, but they make employees check out with a manager at a separate register, you have to use a clear baggy for your product, and if you buy candy? It has to be written on that it was purchased by an employee. -There is a math test for the interview. If you fail, you're out. This is all ridiculous by the way. I always carried a mini calculator on me because I'm dyslexic and have trouble with small things like that. -Racism. Yes, racism. It is tolerated and fueled in my store. Mostly between employees but also with loss prevention. -Managers will ask you to follow someone around the store that they suspect is stealing, sometimes JUST based on appearance. Its embarrassing and rude. I understand loss prevention but if sometimes its ridiculous. -They frown upon you talking or making friends. Even if you are doing your job just fine they will break it up. -Unfair environment if you're a hard worker, always picking up the slack of lazy employees. If they don't answer phones -you do. If they don't go up to the register when called -you will etc. Managers say they notice when employees are lazy but seem to never address it. -managers play favorites while making weekly schedule -Be prepared, even if you have a department, you will be asked to work the rest if the store ---There is so much more. Remember every location is different and I worked at one of the "cleaner/better" stores. Its retail in the end and I would recommend to those who love retail, lazy people and younger people going to school or wish to waste their adult lives with thus kind if work - but hey. maybe its your calling.---