Pros
Paragon is family owned and it feels like just that, family. Yes, it's retail which isn't for everybody but for those seeking a great work environment, competitive salaries and tons and tons of opportunities for advancement, you can't do any better than Paragon. The store prides itself on giving great customer service and also on treating all of it's employees with the highest degree of respect, even holding monthly feedback meetings for associates, giving them a forum in which to offer ideas, complaints, etc. Paragon also offers fun extra-curricular activities for their associates like running, hiking, rock climbing, even bowling! Working here you will get out exactly what you put in - a good attitude and good work ethic is always recognized and rewarded, and for those who seek advancement and are receptive to coaching and willing to learn and grow and put their hearts into the job, it is possible to work your way up from a part time sales associate to a salaried manager, or a buyer, or even higher positions.
Cons
Having been in business for over a century, the wheels of change can sometimes turn slowly here and in today's rapidly changing world, this can sometimes be a disadvantage. The building's facilities are in frequent need of repair and this is usually done in a patchwork/piecemeal fashion rather than with a true renovation or overhaul with an eye towards true modernization. One good example of this that directly impacts customer service on a daily basis is the lack of a publicly accessible customer elevator. Having said this, the ownership does seem genuinely interested in investing in the business, growing and modernizing, but it can seem like a "catch-up" pace vs. a "trend-setting" pace.