Pros
Macy's is just like any retail job. The company has standards and expectations of who they want their employees to be. Employees are expected to open credit cards depending on how many hours a week they work. Full-timers are required to open at least 4 credit cards a week. Part-timers, I believe, 2 credit cards a week. Customers spend more money when they have a Macy's card which mean more sales and foot traffic in the store. Employees are compensated for opening cards with "Macy's Money" which are dollar amounts off coupons used towards purchases in the store. Employees receive 20% discounts and a few days a month receive extra 10% discount on top of regular 20% discount. Employees do have opportunities to grow if, they have the right attitude. Just like any job, your attitude can make or break you. I have seen people demoted and promoted all due to their attitudes. This is a sales-driven environment but, most areas are non-commissioned. Every employee is required to meet their sales goal on a daily basis by suggestive selling. The more you sell, the more respect you get and consideration for promotions. Macy's values their customers and encourages their employees to make decisions that best suits the customers needs. Macy's gives their employees the power to make decisions to satisfy the customer whatever the customer wants.
Cons
Just like most retailers, there is no work-life balance. Employees submit availability for schedules but, a computer dictates schedules. The holiday season requires all employees to rotate very early and very late hours. The store can open as early as 7am and close at 12am. Thanksgiving Day, the store opens in the early evening and doesn't close until between 10pm-12am Black Friday. There is a point system for attendance. All employees start with a certain amount of points and points are deducted based on being late or absent. Tardiness starting with 10 mins late results in a half point deduction. Calling out on a week day is a 1 point deduction. Calling out on a weekend day is a 2 point deduction. Points can be re-earned by being on time and at work on a 2 wk basis. A half point is earned every week if, there were no tardiness or call outs. Holiday season earns you points faster. The hourly pay is not enough for the work associates are required to do. All associates are required to have a client list and follow up on slow days. Most days, 1 person can be working 2 departments during busy hours. Severely understaffed and stressful due to cut backs in hours and staff. Most commissioned areas have non-commissioned associates competing with commissioned associates who are all trying to make their sales goals. Associates all have sales goals and can be terminated for not meeting goals.
