Hunting Stores Long Island

What is the NYC average hourly starting wages for a retail job?

I’ll be job hunting in the city for retail jobs like sephora, Macy’s, H&M, victoria’s secret, body shop… and while I know all these stores have typically different starting prices (on long island at VS – 8.00, body shop- 8.50, Macy’s – 8.00/8.50 and H&M- 9.00)

What should my asking hourly wages be? Am I going overboard asking for 10 dollars an hour at Macy’s in the city, or is that average retail pay?
also I have 4 years retail experience and some college.

not too sure about a department store like Macy’s or H&M.. I forget where, but my brother works some days at an Antique/Home Decor store near Hunter College (E68th & park) while he is finishing up his summer coarses. He works like 8 hours every other day handling the stuff and makes $12 an hour

I’d imagine working at a department store with a large staff you’d make less, and there isn’t that level of trust in handling delicate goods which you also get paid higher for. I’d say around $10 sounds right, but you’d have better luck being a waitress at a nice restaurant (you could make $100 just in tips working a busy, full night)

Shoppers are going hunting – The Lempert Report