Pros
The pro side of working at a department store in a small city is the slower traffic. Also, the Company paid a fair rate for the position I was applying for. It doesn't seem like it would take long to move up as long as you are customer service oriented. They rewarded team members who received a 5 star survey from a customer with free pizza, movie tickets, etc. And for those who signed up customers on the JCP credit card you received additional compensation. I also worked in the jewelry department and whenever they had a contest, the stores with the highest sales would be entered to win fabulous prizes. most of the time my store was in the drawing. I know they changed the prizes after I left, so I'm not sure what they do now, but it was great for me while I was there. The last amazing thing was being able to use your employee discount with any JCP rewards AND any store coupons. The savings (and debt) were incredible :)
Cons
The only con that comes to mind is the repetitive nature of the work. So when it was slow, you would be doing menial tasks and try and find anything to do so it didn't seem like you were wasting the Company's dollar. Also, there was the online order pick up area where I was designated a lot. They wouldn't let you do anything else except stand there and wait until someone needed an order picked up. sometimes it would be hors before you would have a customer. When you asked for things to do it could be a toss up: some days they had tasks and other days they didn't. It was pretty excruciating, and I realize not the worst thing in the world. however, for those who like producing while they are at work, this wasn't going to do that.