Pros
Belk is a very strong company, even during a recession it has maintain high quality, obtained and hired valuable associates. They have been very proactive in this economy and have communicated with all the associates what cuts were to come and have offered alternative approaches to limit wasteful spending and secure a workable budget.
Cons
Some associates are not paid what they are worth, the work load between maintaining sales per hour vs. sales floor duties(stocking, straightening,etc.) needs to be reworked. Allowing associates non-selling hours that will not count towards their sales per hour rating which affects their pay. To piggyback "not getting paid what you are worth"- Area Sales Managers are not paid on the same payscale depending on their date of hire. Two associates could have the same educational background, same years of service but their compensation is hugely different. I don't think this is intentional but yet an oversight that needs to be highlighted in the new year when the economy is on an upswing and the company is more willing to give raises to sales support associates. Also, sales support associates need to be compensated as well as sales associates with the understanding that -if it wasn't for their support the sales associates would not be able to perform their duties and make the sales that is keeping the company successful. I would also look at cost of living increases for associates who have been with the company for over a long period of time. They are getting a 5% increase when support staff gets raises, most of these associates started out a rate that was acceptable for that year hired but since then people that are newly hired are starting out more than them and I find that unfair considering the years of service the older associates have given to the company.