Pros
-Depending on management, staff was well-diverse and somewhat knowledgable about fashion before starting their position. The interview process was through - making sure employees were referenced checked and gone through at least two managers before being hired. -You learn a lot! Also depending on management, you learn a lot about fashion and trends through buying training and staff meetings. -Killer inventory at incredible prices, with an awesome discount!!! Bonus program is also great if you are at a high volume store.
Cons
-The scheduling/day-off request process was absolutely terrible. Being in management, I only received about 5-6 days off in my calendar year. There was no flexibility for any of the staff that was full time. And no weekends off or healthy rotation for days off with management. -Very little mobility after the Associate Manager position. Since there are limited stores per area, it is very hard to move up after an Associate Manager position. Stores also can't afford to promote to an "ASM 2" or at least train for an SM position. It definitely leaves a high turnover for those employees because there is no drive to go forward (which is really unfortunate for people who really liked working for the company). These ASM's also get left behind in overall training and knowledge once new ASM's are brought on or if they have been there over a year. -Customers can get pretty crazy with selling. There should be a more intense "zero tolerance" policy to help protect employees from verbal and degrading abuse. Being called "stupid or dumb" in front of your staff and other customers is not acceptable. -Initial starting pay for management is good - however the yearly review increase is terrible. A satisfactory review is about 30-40 cents. Most managers, even if they go above and beyond, STILL get a satisfactory review.