It's no secret that retail jobs tend to get a bad rep. Standing for eight-plus hours on your feet and making minimum wage, all while trying to hold back your frustration with rude customers does not exactly sound appealing. However, when you work for Victoria's Secret, the worlds largest lingerie brand in the world, you are in an entirely different ball park. This job is fast paced, exciting, and a lot harder than it looks. Below is a detailed list of what it's really like to be a Victoria's Secret employee.
1. You are mesmerized during training.
Victoria's Secret training consists of watching hours of video footage of the Victoria's Secret Angels talking about their passion for the brand while strutting around in sexy lingerie, getting a bra-fitting AKA trying on every bra in the store, and picking out three bras and a fragrance for free. Of course, they also cover basic retail requirements too (learning the cash register, handling shop lifters, etc.), but they make you feel like you are an important part of the global enterprise.
2. You get generous discounts.
This company genuinely wants you to enjoy and be educated about the products in order to be informed for customers, so they give 30 percent off all full-price merchandise and even bigger discounts on new products.
4. You want everything in the store.
Literally everything. The constant new merchandise means you will be maxing out your Angels card often.
5. You form a squad with your co-workers.
Your coworkers from VS will support you for life. At the store I worked in, we baked birthday cakes for co-workers, held holiday parties, and went out for dinner and drinks after closing shifts. These girls will become your squad.
6. You deal with pervy men on a daily basis.
A super sexy lingerie store will attract a fair share of creepy men. Creepy men will come in and ask you what thongs you like to wear or what your name is so they can come in and see you again. Rule # 1: Always give a fake name to this type of customer!
7. You work L-O-N-G hours.
You can expect to be asked to stay on for hours after your scheduled shift has ended, without getting a substantial break. One thing about working at Victoria's Secret is that you have to be prepared to work. During holiday, expect a nine hour shift with a mere 30-minute break on the regular.
8. You learn to stop taking peoples crap
For some reason, some customers who shop at Victoria's Secret often or have spent a lot of money in the store seem to think you owe them something. You will deal with customers that say "I know my coupons expired, but I shop here a lot," or "I want two free tote bags because I have two daughters, and I spend so much money here." These demands are not only rude but can't be fulfilled due to store policy. Certain customers will get ruthless in effort to get a discount, but after a few shifts you become immune to the harassment.
9. You want to cry during Semi-Annual Sale & Panty Parties.
When you were once just a customer, these sales were exciting, but when you become an employee they are your worst nightmare. The VS sales floor becomes a dangerous battleground as women aggressively pick through through the sale bins like scavengers. I've spent hours after the store closed sorting through never-ending piles of bras and panties, organizing them by color and size. Being a Victoria's Secret sales associate can be a tedious job!
10. You master self presentation.
When you work at Victoria's Secret you, represent a globally recognized lingerie brand. That being said, everything from your appearance to your attitude must be on point at all times. Your manager will require that you show up dressed in a fashionable and put together outfit every shift, no exceptions. No matter what is going on in your personal life, when you step on the floor you are to be a confident and outgoing angel.
11. You make a difference in women's lives.
Nothing is more rewarding than knowing you made a woman feel empowered and confident. That bond you form with customers, whether it be on the sales floor or in the dressing room, will last a long time as they come back to shop with you again.
