Definitely helping the customers! I've been with this company for 6 years now, so I have a lot of knowledge about the pet industry and sharing some of my knowledge with the customers is satisfying.

Working at a pet store usually means that we share similar views and are very passionate about animals. We all care about our customers and want to help them find the things they need for their pets.

Upper level management (i.e. District Managers, Regional Managers) has very unrealistic expectations for store managers, creating high stress levels for both the managers and the sales associates. High daily & weekly sales and DPT goals is important, but they set the bar a little too high.

We are called "Sales Associates" but we do way more than just sales! They want us to be "pet experts", which requires actual knowledge of animal nutrition and products. There's no shipment crew - the "sales associates" stock the truck shipments. I believe that the job title should be changed.

The store might be a little hectic, but the customers make it worth it. It's a great feeling being able to offer educated solutions to their needs, and it's rewarding when they come back a few days later to tell you how amazing the product was and how it solved their problems.