Pros
Despite a different picture in middle management, staff at store level-was quite diverse and the environment was great for gaining retail experience. Easily the best team and store manager I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Cons
At the store level, you are often understaffed and overworked as a result. Good workers are not recognized until they can be used opportunistically (being called in on days outside of agreed-upon availability, working full days alone, being asked to fulfill managerial duties as an associate). This is met with little to no opportunity in terms of raises or promotions. Associates are seen as tools to make money rather than people. During a period my team was temporarily left without a store manager, we had to stay open two 100° days in a row with no AC or fan. When we learned it would not be fixed for another two days, no accommodations were made for the heat. We didn’t even receive a check-in. Noticeable favoritism, e.g., middle management inviting some employees out to dinner and movies while avoiding interacting with others for months at a time. Though I cannot attest to their individual relationships outside of work, there was a noticeable pattern in the ethnicity of those who were invited. Take from that what you will.