Management; unfortunately, while some associates and customers have the ability to display professionalism, some members of management are not so skilled. I have seen, with my own eyes, a customer completely taken aback when she heard the tone a manager took when an associate asked a question. This customer glanced at me and looked appropriately appalled. There is however, one manager, who will remain nameless, that is the real reason this store thrives as much as it does. And I have a genuine respect for her. Naturally I show respect to all I work with, but it's genuinely felt towards her.
Another downside is the number of associates in a given shift. It's usually not enough. For those who work in Area 2, they are responsible for 1/3 of the store, in addition to covering certain breaks, taking their own, and covering cashiers when lives get too long. This is too much for just one employee. There needs to be two associates in Area 1, Area 2, and 60/80; someone to push out new merchandise, recover throughout the department, and someone else to cashier in the front and take care of layaway purchases when the time calls for it.
