Pros
There can be quick advancement (6mo - 2yr) into a management position, but the benefits don't quite make up for the added responsibility. Being a sales associate is a great job though. The pay is minimum wage, but there is an opportunity to make money through selling certain products. This does tend to make people push certain products, but usually the products that earn the most work well, so it's a win-win. Workers also are the first people to see mark-downs and can purchase some really great products at a discounted price.
Cons
All of the responsibility of running your own business, without the big paychecks. Managerial job duties include (but are not limited to): - Make schedules - Promote your store by attending events and/or communicating with management offices and other tenants - Oversee all store operations - stock shelves - process shipment - control loss - attend inventories - conduct self-audits - monitor theft - ensure store has plenty of supplies (copy paper, toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap) - interview, hire and train new associates - enforce disciplinary action - thoroughly train new associates - product knowledge, store operations, sales methods - maintain clean, well-lit store - call in work orders for store maintenance - find workers to fill in when associates call off - participate in weekly conference calls - perform promotional changes (bi-monthly) - update price tags - arrange displays according to merchandising guidebook - individually check every item in the store each month for expiration dates - meet monthly sales goals - et cetera -