More about retail---it can be a real bitch, but it can also be a good way to get you over the hump financially, depending on who you work for. The higher-end companies give a lot but also expect a lot more from their employees; if the product is designer clothing, they WILL expect you to wear their clothing, which costs a lot even with their clothing allowance and discount. So you will have to sell more in order to compensate for that outlay with commissions.
Everyone wants to work in a posh boutique, until they've actually worked in one, and figured out they might come out ahead financially by, say, selling major appliances at Best Buy. Where, incidentally, you can work in sneakers.
Indeed. I had no idea about retail. There's little or no money and much pressure to sell at the higher end places, like you said. I did not buy a lot of expensive stuff for myself to wear but did wear appropriate attire. I bought their shoes, which caused a bump on my toe which led to the knee problem. I'm glad I'm not there, to be honest. I hated the pettiness among some employees and management, and although I was very helpful to customers, did not push people into purchases they wouldn't otherwise make. Made some great friends. Was a star there of sorts with my UCLA and entertainment pedigree. But the knee put me out like a horse that had to be shot.