Pros
Discounts, relatively decent commission (though other establishments do pay higher), good tips (15-25% average)
Cons
I worked as very dedicated a spa professional (not hair stylist) at a Grand Salon. For one thing, prepare to sign your life away with a very controlling and binding competition contract that basically prevents someone from working in their respective field for 6+ months in the ENTIRE city of Columbus once you quit; don't let the interviewer fool you into thinking that it's not as stifling as it actually is – IT IS! I watched people who absolutely HATE working at CP forced to stay there year after year because they can't work anywhere else given the contract. Mr. Charles Penzone is FAMOUS for going after former employees who violated the contract (even unknowingly) and suing them for monetary damages (because he's not wealthy enough as it is apparently). Next, the online booking system is really confusing (even after they finally updated their once-archaic website). And given the size of the company, it tends to be bureaucratic; plus note that hair will ALWAYS take precedence over the spa departments. This is why so much. pressure is put on the stylists to sell large amounts of product – I overheard from various hair professionals that they were required to meet weekly with the manager and discuss their level of product sales. Finally, just be aware that you're going to be surrounded by a bunch of catty, gossipy, and often rude women who compete and talk about each other behind their backs – this is across ALL departments. Often I would go into the hair stylists' break room and they would be gossiping, complaining, and cussing like crude and low-class workers – just like being back in high school. It was awful! Overall, having escaped CP I am so happy to be out of there. Don't be deceived by the prestige and glam of the company – it's not worth the repressive competition contract unless you plan on working their forever. You've been warned!