Alice DeHaven, Associate manager, Big Lots, St. Petersburg.
By ELLEN MOSES
Published April 7, 2004
How long have you worked here?
With this store, I've been here five years in June.
Have you worked at other Big Lots?
The first store I worked for was in Crystal River, and then I opened a store in North Fort Myers. I started working for them sometime around '93.
Is this full or part time for you?
Full time.
Are you a salaried or hourly employee?
Hourly.
How many hours do you work?
It varies. Usually 40 hours a week or less.
What is your schedule like?
I usually work either 12 to 9 (p.m.) or 1 to 9, Tuesday through Friday. I like nights. I'm very, very lucky to get the weekends off. But, once in a while, I'll work the weekends if they need me.
What are your primary job responsibilities?
Making sure that everybody is doing what they're supposed to do. Me, personally, what I do, is "push freight." That means when we get the truck in (with merchandise), I have to put my merchandise out. I do everything from cleaning toilets, to sweeping or going to get carts.
Do you have certain merchandise that you are in charge of?
My area is lawn and garden and seasonal, but as an associate manager, I help look after the whole store.
How is an associate manager different from an assistant manager?
An associate manager is the next step less than an assistant manager. I still do a lot of the same things. I can open and close and stuff like that.
Can you give me an example of the mix of tasks your job requires?
One Saturday morning, I came in, and I helped out and did the books for the manager. And the night before, I closed (the store), and I couldn't get through apparel. The racks were too tight. So, after I did the books, I redid the apparel department. Condensed the racks so people could walk through. So, I go from here to here and there to there.
How did you get to the associate manager's position?
I started out as an assistant manager at the Crystal River store and in Fort Myers. I came here and was an assistant manager, and I stepped down to help out my mom. She has Parkinson's.
What kind of training do you need for this job?
I've been in retail ever since I was 16. This is the kind of job where you learn as you go. But once you're in retail, you already know the basics. It's just learning the way that Big Lots does it.
How does Big Lots differ from your past retail experience?
The other retail stores that I've worked for were more sales contact. You know, you have to dress up and wear pantyhose and stuff like that. Here, you get dirty. It's more physical work.
Are you physically hauling merchandise around the store?
Yes. I'll unload it, put it on a cart, and I put it out there on the floor.
Is that physical aspect good or bad?
For me, it's good. Sometimes it can get really frustrating just like any job. I mean, you don't always expect to be unloading a furniture truck. Working in retail can be very frustrating, but when you've got a great bunch of people to work with, it makes it all better.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Working with the people that I work with. We've established a working relationship that we can always depend on each other, always be there if they need help, if they need to talk about something. We can joke, and we have fun.
What is your least favorite thing?
Probably trying to calm down an irate customer. That is probably my least favorite.
What do people get upset about?
We have our ads, our fliers, and when a certain ad item has sold out on the day of the ad, we offer a coupon that you can get 20 percent off. But when the customers want that item that we do not have in stock anymore, they get really upset. And they sometimes get really rude. That's hard.
Anything you consider a hazard of the job?
The hazard, like with any retail job, is that you can get robbed.
Have you ever been present for a robbery?
Thankfully, no. But you just don't know who's going to come into the store. It's scary.
Do you get discounts on merchandise?
Oh yeah, yea! I shop here all the time. My paycheck just goes right to Big Lots! I don't know why I get a paycheck; just give me my merchandise! Yes, we do get a discount on merchandise.
What was last thing you bought at Big Lots?
Probably jewelry, or frames! Actually, the last thing I bought was a resin Welcome Dog statue. I love that type of stuff. Something you put outside. Actually, it's in my house. The outdoor decorations are probably my favorite.
How much can you make in a position like yours?
It varies. It's based on experience.
What would your dream job be?
It wouldn't be in retail. ... Actually, I guess what I want would be retail, 'cause I want my own store. But it would be an art store. I do (computer-generated) 3-D art, and I'd like to sell my artwork. That's my dream.
