I had to laugh at this. I worked at Bed Bath & Beyond off and on over 2 years and it was HARD! Extremely physical moving the stock, top stocking, etc. Had to drag huge ladders around the store all the time. They expected us (and gave us pop up training and quizzes) on selling all sorts of products. We were supposed to be experts on our areas and everything in it. Then add that they constantly moved things around and covered every square inch of the store with merchandise, it was a nightmare. They did pay very well for retail though...I started at $10.50 an hour, but it was HARD and exhausting work.
What I found in retail though is that if you are pleasant, have a good demenor with the customers and can keep yourself constantly busy, you can either advance or have your pick of shifts/positions. I had very specific times that I could work (that broke a lot of their policies) and they always gave me what I wanted. Over any other job I have ever had, I have found retail really did value a good employee, I guess because the talent pool is so varied and the turnover was so high.