Pros
Forever 21 can be a really fun and fast-paced place to work. As a visual merchandiser, you do have to follow some guidelines, but are given a lot of creative freedom with merchandising. I loved coming in to work at 7AM and being able to leave by 3 or 4PM. Most managers are also willing to work with your schedule if you have school or another job. The clothes are cheap and cute. The company does its very best to keep up with fashion trends and incorporate them into merchandising strategies, which I loved. If you are a sales associate, it is fairly easy to transfer to another store if you are moving.
Cons
It's difficult to move up in this company, because the managers LOVE to play favorites. I started in college as a part-time sales associate, and worked incredibly hard. Even though my work effort was noticed immediately the first week I was there and I was offered a position as a part-time visual assistant, it took me almost three years to become a full-time visual merchandiser. Lack of promotions can be very discouraging, and for this reason a lot of sales associates quit. Managers are also extremely cliquey and the gossip is never ending. It's very reminiscent of high school. Most of the work burden is placed on visuals and stock associates, and the managers know this but do not seem to care and continue to hire weak sales associates who cannot maintain the store. Eventually I left due to issues with management, but I really wish I had just stayed and requested to be transferred to another store. If I could, I would work there again in a heartbeat.
