Pros
Nordstrom offers great benefits as far as retail goes, there are extra monthly dicounts on particular items, and the opportunity/responsibility (pro and con) to "build your own business" promotes a feeling of personal empowerment to what would otherwise feel like a menial retail job. Also, the training program, though seemingly extensive, was quite informative and prepatory.
Cons
To my dismay, from day one the management in my department repeatedly spoke poorly of other employees. I felt continually uncomfortable around management afterwards and constantly overheard snide comments about the sales staff. Our department was almost always understaffed as fitting rooms were continually overflowing and go-backs endless. Between hourly "sidework", weekly required tasks such as writing thank you cards (not allowed to write these after work but aren't we building OUR OWN business??), running the cash wrap, fulfilling other store's transfer requests or ship to customers, and then (oh yeah) assisting the customer there was virtually no time to give that expected Nordstrom service, let alone meet sales goals. Top sales people completed virtually none of these extra tasks leaving newer employees to run around sweaty and panting to pick up the slack. I felt confident after my training sessions to be able to foster great relationships with customers and spend time attending to all their needs but ultimately this could never be achieved. I assume not all departments are the same at Nordstrom and agree that other stores/departments can vary but am confused as to why this behavior can be allowed in such a seemingly upstanding customer service establishment. As far as the dream of working your way up to corporate.... I doubt this becomes a reality for many sales staff as most people I met and know have been working for years with only minor promotions.