Flexible schedule, but low pay and minimal discounts - Sales Associate Cato Employee Review

Friendly atmosphere, straightforward tasks, organized store

Maybe an unreliable schedule, expected in retail. Still, management will work with your schedule if you make reasonable requests.

The Employee Discount: One of the biggest perks mentioned by staff is the 20% employee discount, which usually applies to everything in the store, including clearance items. Fun Environment for Fashion Lovers: If you enjoy clothing, styling, visual merchandising, and putting together outfits on mannequins, the day-to-day work can be highly creative and genuinely fun. Tight-Knit Teams & Loyal Customers: Because Cato locations are usually smaller boutique-style setups rather than massive department stores, the staff sizes are small (often under 5–8 people). This frequently leads to a tight-knit, low-drama team environment. Employees also note that Cato has a very loyal base of regular customers, making guest interactions rewarding.

Lack of Extra Benefits for Part-Time: Most part-time positions do not offer paid breaks or paid sick leave, meaning if you have to miss a shift, you simply lose out on those hours. Older Technology: Some employees note that the company’s point-of-sale (POS) registers and inventory management systems feel a bit outdated or slow compared to larger corporate retail chains.