Pros
Sephora used to be a laid-back place to work, and in some places I'm sure it still is. At that time, employee happiness was valued, and everyone was recognized for their hard work (this was called "Values in Action"). Brands regularly come into the store and train the consultants. Sephora employees receive far more training than most sales associates. Sales bonuses are a plus (if you can qualify for them). Managers work closely with their cast and do most of the same work. Corporate is full of wonderful, intelligent people. The original Sephora philosophy is awesome--let clients come into the store, browse, touch and play with anything they want, take home a sample of anything. If they don't like it, it's okay. The freedom to build a relationship with a client that is not based on having to sell them a particular product, or anything they don't want to don't need, is far superior to most retail environments. The fact that the staff does not work on commission means that employees don't have to be pushy with sales, and also don't have to be cut-throat with one another. Although there is a free CVS kind of rewards kind, there is no credit card that employees are pressured to sign people up for. It's the sort of retail environment that makes the salesperson feel like friend, not a salesperson. In theory, the company is developing a "Culture Committee" to talk about improving store morale, but it was not put into practice months ago when it was supposed to, so hopefully it will be rolled out soon.
Cons
Despite their extensive training, Sephora employees are paid (and often spoken to) like they know nothing, and those wonderful trainings are being cut back along with hours due to the failing economy. Thanks to the "Fish" initiative that, in my opinion, has been severely mistranslated by the Sephora corporation, the culture is changing rapidly into one in which people are simultaneously meant to be unconditionally friendly, playful and enthusiastic, but are scolded if they are seen as being too unprofessional, too casual with the clientele, or close with their coworkers. Any concerns raised with management is rejected as the employee's failure to "choose the proper attitude". Constructive criticism is, in theory, very welcome but not well received. Room for growth is nearly non-existent. It seems that demotions and pay cuts are occurring a lot more often. Employees often have to beg for recognition, a pat on the back, or even explanation for being reprimanded. The people in store management roles seem to lack leadership and people skills. Employees in most stores I have spoken with say that managers are very estranged from their cast and do not understand how their employees feel about them. Likewise, corporate does not check in with people at store level. Getting time off is difficult. Your job is expected to be your first priority, so classes or a second job is usually out of the question, and even a day off is a struggle.