Lots of fun, lots of work, lots of fear and uncertainty.
Pros
Great local product (I live in oregon where the company produces it's goods) that is well known by the customer base. Store staff was given the chance to truly run the business in the way that fit the local community. The previous company missions ( "deliver happiness, and "creating expertly crafted delights") are simple to complete. It was not about how great our products were as much as how great a company we are. It is easy to promote the shopping experience as a whole, it was fun for the staff and thrilling for the customer.
Cons
Financial insecurity has caused much distress over the past 5 years. Management changed are constant and sweep across all departments of the company. Without major changes to the business model, which seems to be simply stating that their products are the best without any real evidence of these facts, there will be very little business growth. Times have changed with the changing retail environment. There are now computers in each storefront to further push ordering to the online marketplace where there is lower overhead and more options, but this simply alienates the customer who came into the store to shop, minimizing their importance to the company. I recognized the return to the days where store staff was given the impression that we would be successful if we simply "try harder". This did not give me any confidence in the team of leaders and I ultimately chose to depart a position I proudly held for half a decade and would have kept another 10 years with pleasure. No true plans or desire to develop staff to higher positions. Nor any security at all if you do find promotion of any kind. Caused by constant changes in leadership, you often feel or worry about being "part of the old regime".