Pros
The Employee Discount: One of the biggest perks mentioned by staff is the 20% employee discount, which usually applies to everything in the store, including clearance items. Fun Environment for Fashion Lovers: If you enjoy clothing, styling, visual merchandising, and putting together outfits on mannequins, the day-to-day work can be highly creative and genuinely fun. Tight-Knit Teams & Loyal Customers: Because Cato locations are usually smaller boutique-style setups rather than massive department stores, the staff sizes are small (often under 5–8 people). This frequently leads to a tight-knit, low-drama team environment. Employees also note that Cato has a very loyal base of regular customers, making guest interactions rewarding.
Cons
Lack of Extra Benefits for Part-Time: Most part-time positions do not offer paid breaks or paid sick leave, meaning if you have to miss a shift, you simply lose out on those hours. Older Technology: Some employees note that the company’s point-of-sale (POS) registers and inventory management systems feel a bit outdated or slow compared to larger corporate retail chains.