Pros
Each store has a certain amount of flexibility when it comes to visual merchandising, something that you do not see in many big retail companies. Because each store is tasked to project the "small boutique vibe" individual store management has a good deal of say over how the store is presented, and even at a sales associate level, you can gain some really valuable experience with visuals and store branding that you might not find at other retail positions. Additionally, the store discount you get is pretty decent, although you cannot use it on sale or clearance items.
Cons
There seems to be a very serious disconnect between home office, area management and store management. Home office often implemented policy that wasn't possible for each store to comply with because of the differences in each location - this is the way the store was branded, to be an individual boutique shopping experience, but because of this, now that the company is growing and attempting to streamline, they are running into major issues. The area management, which is supposed to be the line between home office and individual stores, seems to be spread too thin to help when needed. I had several instances where there were emergency issues in my store and I could not get hold of the management I needed to take proper action and rectify the situation. However, me and my manager were expected to field calls at any time regarding day-to-day store issues. Store management has no authority to handle major issues, which would be fine, if there was more coverage higher up. Additionally, the pay and compensation are extremely low, and trying to get PTO approved is an act of Congress sometimes.