anyone work in retail?

**Deni** · 04-22-2005, 01:18 PM

We have a new shopping center opening here soon & I was thinking of applying at some of the stores there. I think there's going to be Borders, Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, etc. Has anyone worked at any of these places & how are they to work at? Can you just work days or do they want to be able to schedule you anytime? what do you think are the best stores to work at? Thanks for your input.

**bamamomto4** · 04-22-2005, 02:55 PM

Dh worked at Sams Club for 14 years(he quit last Oct). Wal-Mart pretty much wants you to be flexible with the hours and days. However,if you're one of the first ones hired,you may get more hours and work the days/hours you want.

Good Luck!

**Mamawolf** · 04-22-2005, 02:56 PM

I worked retail for years. I've only been out of it for about a year. If you set your own hours, you can only be a part -time employee. To be full-time, you must have an open schedule. Home Depot is really good to their employees and pay well. I'm not sure about BB&B, I've never known anyone who worked there.

**pita1213** · 04-24-2005, 07:38 PM

i work for bb&b. the only problem i had with that company is one district manager, but he no longer works for the company so he's not an issue now. they have good benefits if you are a full timer. they pay well. though how much you get paid depends on your experience. i have management experience so i get paid more than someone who has never worked retail before. they have training programs to teach you about the products we sell. there are monthly employee incentives, which are products you can buy for less than you would normally be able to buy it with your discount. they are deals that they make with that vendor. the employee discount is only 20%, but if you keep an eye on the incentive offereings, you can get some good deals that way.
as far as your schedule availability, it all depends on what the store needs to fill in the scheduling gaps. you are more likely to get fulltime hours if you are more flexable, but sometimes they are just looking for someone to work days or someone to work nights and weekends. when i went back to them ( i left because we moved, then worked for linens n things for s year and half) i put my availibilty for 9 am to close everyday but wednesday which is 4 to close because of my kids getting out early every wednesday. that was flexible enough for my particular store.
they do like to promote from within whenever possible so there are oppertunities for advancement. they also have a good recruitment program that offers associates/managers pretty good bonuses for recruiting new employees. that person just has to make it through their 90 probation period and as long as you are still employed with the company, you get a bonus check.
i can't tell ya about the medical benefits because i don't use them, we use dh's. and they vary by region as far as what company they are offered through. but in general, they are usually pretty good, and they offer a few options as well. if you have any specific questions, just let me know.

**Deni** · 04-27-2005, 02:54 PM

Thanks so much Pita for all the info on BB&B. I've always liked shopping that store and I think I might apply there. How do you have to dress there? I've been a SAHM for 4 years now and my wardrobe shows it. Just wondered what kind of clothes I might need? What do you mean by good pay? Do they offer dental insurance? We have good health insurance through my husband's work but I would really like to get dental. Thanks again for your help.