Pros
This job requires a vast amount of knowledge and training. You get an education at Calico Corners. Many new employees do not anticipate the amount of knowledge and training they are expected to acquire. (which is a good thing). The downside is this takes many years to acquire. Other good points: beautiful workplace, retail hours are so-so.
Cons
The compensation is poor for the amount of knowledge and customer service that is expected from each person. You are on your feet 8 hours a day--literally there will not be a place for you to sit. This is very hard on your body, and the benefit package does not come close enough to mitigate this. You are expected to dress professionally (women in high heels for 8 hours and no sitting). And the "boots on the ground" associate who is the public face for Calico just keeps getting dumped on (hours cut while sales goal increases). A new practice is to only hire part time sales associates (who do not receive benefits) and the subsequent down side is poor customer service and lost sales, the few full time associates are expected to carry the load for the part time people. I started working at Calico 7 years ago and my salary has risen ONE DOLLAR an hour and I am a top level sales person every month.