Ridiculously strict, but a great experience for students
Pros
1- discount is amazing 50% off reg, 10% off sale/clearance at Old Navy and Banana 2- many different positions to learn (cash, merch, sales associate, back stocking/shipment) 3- family-like environment 4- really fun "special project" shifts and overnights 5- employee support program for any traumatic experiences you happen upon while working there 6- You can take shifts at other Gap stores (the store I took shifts at was way better and really respected my work ethic more than my home store) 7- amazing holiday/peak season hours (20-30+)
Cons
1- If you aren't management, then you're on the bottom rung and don't matter 2- the discount policy is RIDICULOUSLY strict (your parents can't even pull out a debit card to pay for your purchase if you use your discount, which is why I was terminated) 3- little to no room for advancement 4- high stress during corporate visits-- I was yelled at in front of customers because I helped them out instead of folding down the front table ahead of a possible visit. The customer proceeded to apologize, tell me that I was an amazing associate, and gave the manager an earful for misconduct 5- floor set changes every two days (new collections for KBM every two weeks) 6- If you take a shift at another store, the GM will rip you a new one 7- If a manager from bigger store wants to "recruit" you because you do great work and need more hours, your GM and him/her will have a shouting match, after which your GM will tell you that s/he would prefer it if you "don't take shifts there anymore" 8- After the holiday season, your hours will drop from 20+ weekly to 4/wk 9- they check to see how often you use your employee discount, and if you spend over a certain amount, they will call you into a meeting with an LP agent and discuss your spending habits (they believe that you may be purchasing items for a friend and making profits or being paid back) 10- Ooooh, you can't switch shifts either, you have to give a few days "notice" along with a written note and reasons as to why you want to switch, then the switch has to be "approved"
