Pros
The pay is decent for my entry level position, with extra on weekends. One encouragement to stay there is their profit sharing bonuses which can be up to 15% of your last years paycheck depending on how long you've worked there (although taxes eat up a LOT of that). My schedule is usually tolerable and they give me off my requests. They set fairly high standards for their employees, which is kind of good because it weeds out problematic coworkers you might have. I like most of my coworkers, many of whom attend school locally. You have the opportunity to learn about other departments through "in home training" packets. They're pretty easy but can improve your standing with the company for promotions or transfers to other stores or departments. Management really does encourage you to advance in the company and make sure you're in the right department. One nice thing is that they're not hell bent on plugging our credit card, they don't complain if you're not aggressive. I can't speak for other stores, but our management seems competent, honest, and efficient. They're willing to fudge some of the dumber company policies when appropriate. I've even seen some small policy changes that actually benefited employees.
Cons
What can I say. It's cashiering. A bit soul crushing, but you could do much worse than Menards. Menards is privately owned , and I think it might be non-mainstream policy wise. From what hear Menards has some oddball rewards and fines for its managers based on sales and following store policy. Also managers need to be at the store a _lot_. Sometimes they do 12-14 hour days and 50 hrs/wk or more. We seem to get more than our share of old people coming in the doors, and price checks, the confusion, the indignation over everyday policies can get old. Menards also tends to be stingy with upgrading equipment and facilities in general, e.g. carts, forklifts, cash registers, bathroom facilities, beat up countertops. They all work more or less but drag down the work environment a bit not to mention the reputation of the store. For entry level people, you become eligible for a 10 cent raise every year or half year that you're with the company provided that you pass a test. That isn't much money, and makes NO differentiation between employees that excelled and those who were merely adequate.
