Vantaggi
I've worked at three different stores in three different states. The plus is being able to transfer to another store when moving. The health insurance is great and you can't beat paid vacation time at a retail job. Some stores are great with great supervisors and great co-workers. Others, not so much (see below).
Svantaggi
Some stores are run by managers who do not understand how to run a store and generate sales without cutting corners. Unfortunately one of the ways they meet these goals is by reducing payroll hours which leaves you understaffed. At one of my stores, this meant that you had to give total open availability only to get a measly 20 hours per week. And work life balance means nothing when you're working somewhere that is the epitome of inefficiency. Some managers don't appreciate hard work and favor employees who make them feel liked. This creates an environment where lazy employees get promoted and/or scheduled the most hours. At the store I am describing the store manager blamed sales specialists for low morale, treated us like children, and lacked any real leadership skills. He was passive aggressive with feedback and never gave a clear path for development and improvement. My experience at the other two stores were superb. Excellent team oriented environment where managers and co-workers treated everyone with respect.