Pros
*Gratis/Make Samples: Who doesn't like FREE stuff? You get to play and see for yourself! They are usually deluxe or full size items. Depending on what "world" (department) you're in, determines what you get. In addition, you get the option to bring home 3 samples each shift. It's a great way to learn about a product and/or try things out before buying! *Discounts: 40% off Sephora Collection and 20% off everything else. Sometimes you will get additional discounts from brands or around the holidays, which is nice! *Continuous Education/Training/"Skill Builds": Even if you don't know much, they will always provide you with information on products, how to apply them, etc. *Not Commission Based/Get Bonuses/Yearly Raise: You get paid hourly and don't have to fight for clients. Plus everyone gets a bonus (as long as you meet your goals). Not just management. The more you work, the more $$$ you make from that bonus. Surprisingly, you get a yearly review too. With that review, you are presented with the opportunity to get a raise! You are not stuck with the same wage they hired you for like other retail jobs. *Costumes/Work Attire: You get to wear leggings and a tunic to work. It's super comfortable. That means you don't have to plan your work outfit. BUT, if you don't want to wear those things, there's other options too. *Teamwork: When things need to get done, everyone comes together and helps each other. It makes it less stressful and the workflow more smooth. *Opportunity for Growth: If you want to go higher up within the company, you just have to work your butt off. I've seen many people move from a consultant to a lead within the year.
Cons
*Cliquey/Catty Co-workers: If you don't follow the bandwagon...expect to be thrown under it. I had many times where I was the main topic simply because I liked to exclude myself from the negativity. Everyone pretty much talks about everyone, but acts like they're the best of friends when that person is around. Expect it to be high school all over again. There's always some sort of drama. You have to have thick skin. I've seen many girls cry over something that has been done/said, but then will continue with that sort of vicious behavior once it's addressed by management. Makes sense, right? *Micromanagement or should I say, "Coaching": Management is ALWAYS watching. If you aren't doing things exactly how they want it...expect to be pulled to the side. It's not constructive criticism (that's always welcomed), but more so them fussing over every little, petty detail. *Understaffed: Retail already has a high turnover rate, however, at this particular location due to management and internal drama...it seems even worse. Since we don't have a lot of people, they overwork you. People will call-in since they work so much already (causing further problems). Instead of blaming management for not hiring more people, employees will blame each other. Management will also put blame on that person, not on their failure to hire people quick enough. *No Work/Life Balance: I feel like this doesn't exist. Even if you're part-time, you're still working 30 hour weeks with the majority of those hours on the weekend. It's hard to get time off unless you are FT. Be prepared to be given grief when you do ask for time off. I've worked multiple weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) straight. Also, since it's retail...expect to work holidays as well. *Pushy Sales/Condescending "Coaching": Despite not working on commission, they give you hourly updates on sales (goals for the day). Although you aren't suppose to be overly pushy on clients to buy stuff, you should still be overly pushy to clients to buy stuff. To meet the goal. Of course. Does that make sense? If the client only leaves with samples or nothing at all...questions will ensue as to why. Then commence passive aggressive lecture about how you could of closed a sale. It will usually end with, "Is it because you lacked confidence or the skill?" Don't even try to explain yourself because "...that's not an excuse..." will be the reply. *Favoritism: I don't think I need to say much about this. Management just has their favorites.