Pros
The employee discount is very generous. Base pay is decent, considering the Alabama economy. Opportunities for sales bonuses and payroll bonuses, quarterly, if you increase sales and keep scheduled hours under control. Commissions are low in a low volume store, but increase during peak shoe shopping season, like Back to School and Christmas. I've been very satisfied with Cigna medical insurance. All coworkers and upper management have been friendly and helpful. There have been lots of positive changes since Mr. Lardy came, but none as far as increased pay or benefits. Plenty of opportunities for advancement from Associate to Management, especially if you are able to relocate. District Managers and Regional Managers do all they can to help you succeed.
Cons
Retail can be exhausting, especially during peak seasons. Schedules are rough, requiring 12 or more hours for several days. Holidays and PTO time is nice, but not allowed during August because of Back to School and from mid-November to the end of the year due to the need for extra coverage for the Christmas season. The result is a negative impact on work-life balance. Many times there is way too much going on at the same time (sales resets, seasonal flip and store inventory prep, for example) and is close to impossible to accomplish within the required timeframe, especially when the store is not allotted additional hours at such times as needed.