Pros
- In general, the company has hired really smart, really great people to work on the sales floors of their many locations. - The opportunities for self-education are high, if you care about running - there are always clinics, running groups, and other events being offered. - If you care about outreach, this company does a great job connecting with the community. - The individual store managers are capable, and they treat their employees with respect and care. - Because of the company's connection with big shoe companies, there are opportunities to make personal connections in the industry. Many have gone on to get great jobs with these other companies, which is encouraged. - There are a few opportunities for advancement within the company. - If you are on the good side of Corporate, and do your job well, they will reward you with schedule flexibility - always a plus in a retail environment.
Cons
- Extreme mismanagement with HR crises. The company grew very fast in a short period of time, and the company has failed to address some serious HR issues in the correct manner. - Scheduling is done by hand, without software. This leads to constant mistakes and tardiness (for example, schedules are often put out mere days before the week in question). This also leads to mistakes on paychecks. - Employees are often squeezed to the max in an effort to save the company money. On a busy weekend, there is no time for a break, and employees are often working for 8-10 hours straight with multiple people at once. - I seriously question some ethical decisions made by this company, such as forcing salaried workers to come in during dangerous weather conditions. - While there are some opportunities for advancement, they are quite slim. - Issues with individual stores are not always addressed in a timely manner by upper management (lighting, plumbing, etc). Similar to a landlord-tenant relationship, it was necessary to pester the appropriate people to get things done. - Poor appreciation and very little reward given to managers for work well-done. - General low morale/malaise as a result of the above issues.
