STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

I would definitely cross off Macy*s (although it's very easy to get hired there). I worked there for 3 days before quitting, and when I did (for a made up research project) my boss said "Oh I knew you'd leave soon, you seemed smart". Basically, the discount isn't nearly good enough, especially considering you have to charge everything on your Macys card and wait for a refund the next month. Also, the dress code sucks - all black, either a jacket and pants or a skirt/dress and sweater set (seriously, who has sweater sets anymore?). Other than those two things, I liked it fine enough, but it wasn't enough to keep me there since I was mostly doing it for the discount.

I was actually thinking of getting a part-time retail job as well to save money for grad school (starting in Jan '08) and to buy a house with SO. I'm leaning toward Express or The Limited because, like another poster said, you get discounts at a ton of other stores that are owned by Limited Brands, ltd.

If you want this job for extra money, stick with a department store.  You probably won't want to buy as much from the store that way, and have your entire check go right back to them.  I also think they are more flexible with hours, but that is just my experience.