Pros
We got great employee discounts, and the products were absolutely amazing. They sold themselves practically, and it was nice to see customers so pleased with the products you sold them. The customers were quite often really great people, and after working there for awhile you develop customer-employee relationships that really lasted. Often regulars would drop in just to talk, even when they didn't need to pick anything up. For the most part, all of the regular staff (not including management) got along very well, and we enjoyed with each other. VERY occasionally HO would start some sort of sales contest, and the healthy competition made for some good times and really helped us boost our sales.
Cons
Where to begin!! Head Office held no regard for their employees whatsoever. Regardless of sales records, time spent with the company, customer allegiance, and good attitude, they did not care about your welfare whatsoever. If any sort of conflict came up, they resorted to firing the individual, hiring someone new, and going through the whole training process all over again, rather than just talking it out and coming up with a solution. The turn-over rate at this company was ridiculous. I started in the fall and by winter I was the longest standing employee, and had watched handfuls of employees and managers walk in and out. And for good reason, as they had no problem with ripping their employees off - rather than paying someone overtime, they'd switch them to salary and work them well over 40 hrs. a week. When they make store visits, they go around to all of the employees, attempting to get "dirt" on everyone, if you will, and yet never take the time to ask you personally how you think things are going. They believe your job/career should be your priority at all times; asking for time off is considered a huge annoyance and jepordizes your reputation as a dedicated worker. This company was so corrupt, it was a wonder I stayed as long as I did.