Pros
Fun environment. Vast opportunities to advance at store level and with new store setup projects. Other mentor roles available within each market. Comparable salary. Without issue, I was given time off when I encountered family emergencies or health issues. Pets, pets, pets! Opportunities to practice community outreach and fundraising for rescues and shelters. Corporate office encourages new ideas and suggestions. You get to learn a ton about pets and pet nutrition both at the yearly manager summit and during day to day operations.
Cons
Processes are still being refined and streamlined, so there are a lot of communication issues between stores and the corporate office. Retail will never be a static environment. However, I think there are too many promotions and changes happening simultaneously, leaving store managers' focus too thin. The culture has changed out of necessity as the company continues to grow. However, the general tone of upper management had somewhat devolved to condescension and negativity. My Personal belief is that if I feel respected and valued, I'll do a better job, be better with customers, and I'll be a better example/ leader for my team. That's not to say I didn't feel at all valued or respected, but my perception is that so much pressure was being put on upper management, they in turn changed their communication style toward us as managers and put pressure on us. And some pressure is necessary. But I think there's a better way to deliver it. Unless you want to be a DM, there is very little opportunity for advancement.