Pros
Discount off store merchandise is 40% (gift-cards too!) Training is abundant -- they spend a lot of time training you on how to sell Casual wear (jeans and t-shirts) Schedule is posted 2-3 weeks out This location has some great employees that are fun and truly nice Above average pay to start in retail Decent part time benefits -- 401K, dental, vision, health ins and EAP Great Culture (in theory) -- Their 7 Foundation Principles are pretty solid. Communication is pretty good -- they only have like 55 stores so still pretty small company. Great products -- ELFA is a well made product and designed very well In FL -- a lot of opportunity -- 3 new stores in 2013
Kontras
They don't promote from within -- all full time employees in this location are hired from outside -- there is no incentive to work hard and be rewarded with a promotion high turn-over -- one day your friend is there and the next day they are gone? managers have favorites - corporate lingo types --"OK HAL Team, lets do it -- lets SELL SELL SELL" no commission -- you can sell a $10,000 ELFA closet and make only $30 bucks! (but you feel good about helping someone design their DREAM CLOSET for more money than you will make in a year selling closets!) privately owned company -- no stock purchase - no incentive if company performs well no shift differentials -- work a shift unloading a truck from 9pm to 1am and make the same as the person standing at a cash register for 3 hours from 12pm to 3pm. constant PRESSURE to sell ELFA -- CONSTANT focus on meeting unrealistic sales goals DAILY! strong culture - to some outsiders at first it can seem like a kool-aid drinking cult!