Pros
Full time positions are the norm, which is unheard of in retail unless you're in management. The extremely generous employee discount is what keeps a lot of people around, as well as the laid-back culture (it seems we are all "starving artist" types), and generous quarterly bonuses. Benefit costs aren't outrageous, although much more pricey for part-time employees. There are plenty of opportunities to move up in the company fast if you are willing to move around. As a privately-owned company, it's generally a pretty caring environment, especially if you've stuck around for a while.
Cons
As someone who has been employed by this company for nearly 10 years, I have seen a lot of negative changes in the past couple of years. When I was hired, benefits were free, our one hour lunch was paid, and our bonuses were generous. All of these things made up for the low hourly pay, the lack of having a set schedule, and having to work holidays. Recently, our hours were restructured so that our lunches are no longer paid. We have received only one (small) bonus in the past 2 years. Our vacation and sick time has been cut. We now pay for benefits. Because most of these changes, a lot of experienced employees are leaving to work elsewhere for better hourly pay. In spite of cutting down on many of the perks for its people in order to save money, the company continues to open stores across the country. I fully expect this company to go public in the next 5 years and become exactly like every other retail environment. This is not a "relaxing job"-- on a regular weekend at the busier stores, it can rival the high pace of Black Friday insanity. You are on your feet on concrete for 8 hours and you must be able to deal with very angry customers without taking it personally (moreso than any other retail job I've worked). You work nights, weekends, and holidays, and are usually expected to clean bathrooms (often public bathrooms), carry heavy boxes, and absolutely must be on time for work as fellow employees often cannot leave their task until they are relieved. Be prepared to babysit children whose parents drop them off or leave them unattended and for a plethora of technological issues as this company is very, very slow to adopt faster and less faulty equipment. If you are squeamish or easily offended, this job is not for you-- because the company buys used items from the public, you are often exposed to adult material/images, as well as handling items that may have been chewed/urinated on (by children or animals), or are just generally covered in dirt or mold. If you have allergies or sinus problems, expect them to get worse as the stores and are exceptionally dusty. Overtime is rarely available, so take that into account if the hourly pay for a 34 hour work week isn't enough for you. Do not expect to read or sit while on the job.