Whether you’re looking to find the latest trending clothes, shoes, or home decor, Ross is the place you’ll want to be.
Working at Ross can be a great opportunity for those looking to work in retail.
With nearly 1,853 stores spread across the United States, there are plenty of opportunities to apply.
Below, we’ll highlight the pros and cons of working for Ross and if it’s worth applying.
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Pros of Working For Ross
Before applying, you’ll want to consider the benefits of working at Ross.
There are plenty of reasons you should apply, but let’s delve a bit deeper into the pros and why it’s worth it.
Below, we’ll tell you the seven main benefits.
1. Associate Discount Program
All associates are given a year-round discount on in-store purchases.
Employees may also be offered double discounts during specific events.
If you’re a frequent shopper at Ross, then applying to work there full-time to receive the associate’s discount could save you some money.
Currently, Ross states that their associate’s program has saved nearly $88 million on employee’semployee purchases.
2. Flexible Scheduling
Part-time workers have flexible schedules, which can be good if you have other commitments.
Each Ross store will have their own scheduled hours that employees can choose from once hired.
Employees are expected to give specific days and times they’d prefer to work.
Ross will do its best to fulfill these hours so that their employees can choose a work schedule that works for them.
3. Guaranteed Health Coverage
If you’re working as a full-time employee, then you can rest assured that you’ll receive full health coverage.
You can also qualify for vision, life, and dental insurance.
Those who have a disability can also get disability insurance.
4. Learn Customer Service Skills
If you lack customer service skills or are looking to get experience, a retail job is a great way to start!
Ross employees will be in charge of talking to customers, hearing their complaints, and will practice conflict resolution.
These skills can help employees either gain promotions or help prepare them for other roles.
5. Career Advancement Opportunities
Not many retailers offer career advancement or training opportunities, but Ross does.
They have training programs that often will help employees reach better heights.
This can range from training courses, in-person mentoring, to even on the job training.
If you’re looking for a career where you can move up in the field, then working at a Ross store might be for you.
However, it’s good to remember that advancements are limited and also very competitive.
There are only so many positions in a store.
You’ll need to put in the extra effort if you want to get these opportunities.
6. Physical
Working a retail job is physically demanding and is a great way to stay healthy.
A desk job can feel almost torturous to some, especially if they are busy.
Body.
Working retail is an excellent way to stay in shape because you’ll constantly be on your feet.
Employees are expected to move quickly and also do many tasks.
Ross stores are also big, which means you’ll have to walk around to find customers to help.
In addition, you might be doing tasks that require you to move from one area to the next with merchandise.
7. Busy Workdays
If you enjoy keeping busy, then working at Ross is for you.
Ross is one of the most popular stores in the United States and has many locations.
Those who hate a slow-paced environment may not enjoy working at Ross.
At Ross, things are often pretty busy unless it’s the odd hours of the day.
However, daytime and the weekend are when it gets busy.
In addition, the holidays are absolutely busy!
If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, then you’ll enjoy the holidays.
It’s even better because you can get holiday pay, which means more income.
Cons of Working For Ross
While there are many benefits of working at Ross stores, there are also cons.
You’ll want to carefully consider the cons, as not everyone is cut out for retail.
Below, we’ll summarize everything you need to know about the drawbacks of working at Ross stores.
1. Fast Paced
It’s no secret that working retail is fast-paced and can often lead to stress.
If you’re not used to being on your feet and multi-managing different aspects of the store, then it can be overwhelming.
As a Ross employee, you’ll be expected to be able to handle a handful of tasks that help the consumer.
This can become very stressful, especially if you’re not a people person or have the patience.
Many have stated that it’s even worse during the holidays.
While you do get extra pay, it can be extremely stressful, and a lot will need to be done in a short amount of time.
You’ll also be dealing with sales, customer complaints, and restocking, which can lead to burnout.
2. Experiences Change From Store to Store
Management and employee experience will change from store to store.
While some report that they’ve had great experiences working at Ross, others have stated that they absolutely would never work there.
Reasons for these claims range from bad management, restricted hours, and lack of training.
3. Repetitive
Retail is often very repetitive day to day and there isn’t much variety aside from special occasions or holidays.
Those who thrive in a fast-paced environment that doesn’t change will often enjoy working at Ross.
However, those who hate doing repetitive jobs for hours on end will not like working there.
Many times employees state that when they are in the back they end up standing in the same spot for hours hanging clothes.
4. Short Breaks
Another con of working at Ross stores is that there are only short breaks.
When the store isn’t busy, employees often enjoy their jobs.
However, most days are busy, especially during the weekend.
The breaks are often short, as there is a lot to do, and employees will need to focus for extended periods.
Many employees state that they often only get 10-15 minute breaks, which can even turn into none if it’s the holiday shift.
So, it’s best to keep that in mind when applying to work retail, as not everyone can keep working without a decent break.
Of course, employees will still get lunch breaks but won’t get much other than that.
5. Low Raises
For employees who stick with Ross stores, they find that their pay isn’t increased at a decent percentage.
Many report that each year they only see less than a 1% raise, which isn’t a lot.
The standard raise percentage in 2024 and 2023 was at least 4%.
However, Ross employees haven’t been offered that even while working at the store over the years.
In addition, employees find that they can only get better pay if they get a promotion.
Not everyone is guaranteed to get a promotion, as there are only limited positions for that.
So, you should keep that in mind when applying.
6. Angry Customers
Let’s not pretend that there aren’t nightmare customers to deal with in retail.
One of the most stressful aspects of the job is handling an angry customer.
There will be times when you’ll be expected to remain professional, regardless of whether the customer is nice or not.
If you’re not good at gaining your composure and professionally handling a situation or complaint, then the job can be frustrating.
7. High Turnover
You won’t always see the same employees and will often find that retail has high turnover rates.
This is because not everyone is cut out for the job, or they move on to better opportunities.
If you’re expecting to build lasting bonds with your coworkers, then this isn’t the job for you.
Some employees have stated that there are always new people every few weeks, and sometimes they don’t stick around.
14 Pros and Cons of Working for Ross Stores – Summary Table
| Pros of Working For Ross | Cons of Working For Ross |
|---|---|
| Associate Discount Program | Fast Paced |
| Flexible Scheduling | Experiences Change From Store to Store |
| Guaranteed Health Coverage | Repetitive |
| Learn Customer Service Skills | Short Breaks |
| Career Advancement Opportunities | Low Raises |
| Physical | Angry Customers |
| Busy Workdays | High Turnover |
Should You Work for Ross?
Working at Ross can be stressful if you don’t know what to do.
If you’re prepared to keep up with the busy pace and also focus on customer satisfaction, then you’ll likely enjoy the job.
Retail is a great way to gain many skills, such as working on problem-solving, time management, and even better health.
That being said, if you’re bad at interpersonal communication or don’t enjoy being physical, then this job isn’t probably for you.
So, you should weigh everything we’ve said and consider if it’s a good fit.
