Pros
Solid and secure company. The corporate culture has experienced some much needed overhauling. A lot of those who were part of the problem have been dismissed by the new CEO. I experienced great working relationships with my buyers and project managers but I had to work at it. The benefits are decent. There are a lot of opportunities to travel domestically and internationally. Great place to gain experience and knowledge of several different craft products and categories. Compensation tends to be above average. Annual pay increases and bonus compensation may not be ideal but at least you get them in what can be considered a soft industry.
Cons
For people on the merchandising side of the business you've got to have a strong personality if you want to be successful here. The buyers can be very demanding and their expectations perhaps a bit unrealistic. The people you work alongside in your category can also be very competitive. For product designers, the work load is intense and the stress level very high. Performance expectations can be unrealistic. The managers have a hard time dealing with complaints. They prefer employees who pretend to be happy. Your attitude matters more to them than your talent (I've actually heard them say this). Politics here can be very taxing. So the favorite advice provided from management is to "manage your perception". Upward mobility in the design studio is difficult - experience gives way to favoritism. True "leadership" is lacking with the current group of managers. They know how to 'manage' but leave a lot to be desired in terms of being a true source of inspiration and trust.