Pros
Used to impress friends and family by saying this was my place of employment. I had come here bright-eyed and young to a company that was intimidating, but not condescending. Discount was fairly nice. I had seen the beginning of my working life here at that time. I can pick two managers I've had here that have been wonderful. One had a lateral move to a different store, and the other had moved on. Some of the co-workers I have become actual friends with even after we stopped working at the company. I guess we bonded due to the complexities of working here. Seeing the surprised looks on some faces as they received a gift in the blue box. Witnessing the guy in his early 20's saving up money working at a car wash so he could afford a silver pendant for his girlfriend. This was a stand-alone situation, as you will see me explain below. Nothing beats the NYC store on 57th & 5th. I hope it's maintained it's feeling of 'awe' as you merge from that revolving door, unlike the West Coast.
Cons
A large majority of the store management is incompetent; how bad depends on your location. Just because you do a lot of editorial modeling or were a manager at another high-end retail company doesn't make you worthy of the job. Then again, it's Los Angeles, so don't expect much when it comes to dealing with 'class'. The name has become over-saturated by being accessible to lower-middle class and abused by the girls who wear their first piece prior to age 13 (or younger, in some cases). I am not contradicting myself with the positive comment above of those who save their money for something here and still honor this name, however, when it's the same under $200 transaction sale daily, management simply cannot expect us to make our sales plans. Returns after 30 days? Sure! Worn? Why not? Even if the receipt says differently, people can't read here. The name has lost its value. Items that we considered to be knock-offs a few years back are now being MADE by the designers up in corporate. We are copying ebay and Canal Street. Great! Competent CEO's such as William R. Chaney left just in time; perhaps he had foreseen what this name has now become?