Pros

Very laissez-faire attitude as long as you do what you are supposed to. This includes the occasional idea or two to make the customer experience better (i.e. fixing displays that are not working/awkward, keep your department clean/organized). You can do pretty much whatever you please as long as it is professional and doesn't rub anyone the wrong way. No pressure to actually sell anything, you're just there to help.

Cons

Attitude of salaried toward hourly associates feels a bit aristocratic. If you can garner their favour, you have nothing to worry about. Do something they don't like, however, you suddenly feel poisoned somehow-- fighting against a novel and confusing resilience to your will. With time, perhaps that can be corrected, but I suspect this sort of thing is noted in an employee file, so it may be difficult to escape. If/when I return seeking a management role, the politics here should become clear one way or another.

Advice to Senior Management

Be more open and honest with your associates. Communication is key to a successful working relationship. Friendly treatment by no means proves there is no discontent on either side. Your team needs to trust that you will take care of them should the need arise. If you honestly act in the best interest of the human beings working under you, they will understand that there are business considerations in the mix as well. Close the cleft between management and hourly associates; it's likely easier than you might think. Put more effort into retaining your university students, you might be able to use them later.