Pros
Since CVS sells such a variety of merchandise, working here will give you knowledge on all kinds of retail experiences and systems. All employees are encouraged to learn as much about the day to day operations of the store as possible: from photo lab to checking in deliveries and ringing up prescriptions. Customer service training is excellent, I learned so many skills which will translate well into any other job that I get into. I find myself still using some of the techniques I have learned when dealing with people. Good opportunities for moving up, employees are treated with respect, and it is a great job for college students.
Cons
Working in retail is not easy, but when you add to that the fact that retail pharmacy deals with the elderly and the ill, it can be downright horrible! Customers at CVS are of 4 types: old, sick, mean, and rare (meaning it was rare to get someone who wasn't one of the first three!) The pay is horrible for what you are expected to do. There are no real "positions" at a CVS store; everybody has to know how to do everything. Which is great if you want to learn, but terrible when you're expected to do all of those things at once. Horrible that they are open on Christmas and Thanksgiving. The pharmacy is closed, but the front store must remain open. The almighty dollar! And for 2 weeks before Christmas, the stores are all open until midnight. As if people need to run to CVS for last minute Christmas shopping!
