Pros
The best reason to work here was having the flexibility to both work and volunteer. My manager was willing to schedual me around my Internship duties so I had a steady income all summer. He even saved my position when I left for an overseas internship. The other major reason to work here is to learn to be a great customer service oriented sales associate. We are expected to know every product in the store and have a general knowledge of DIY advise on hand. I have learned more from this job than I had expected and can now fix any little problem that comes up in my appartment.
Cons
Compensation for the work is low and hours can be hard to come by especially during the January to March "dry period," but put in a little extra effort and you can manage. Training in customer service is mandatory, but training on basic repairs and item location is subject to each employee's initiative, which creates a knowledge gap between those who want to succeed and those trying for easy pay. Finally, as an employee at ACE you are expected to learn to run the register. This is not so much a problem as a hassle. I dislike having to leave the customer I am currently helping, and forming a relationship with, just because the guy waiting to check-out can't wait 5 seconds and is smashing the bell repeatedly.
