77 Retail Stores That Hire Felons
Retail is one of the largest employment sectors in the United States, with over 4.7 million retail establishments employing roughly 15 million people. For people with criminal records, the sheer size and constant demand for workers make retail one of the most realistic paths to steady employment. From big-box stores like Walmart and Target to grocery chains like Kroger and ALDI, the range of opportunities is broad and growing.
Most major retailers have adopted Ban the Box policies, meaning they do not ask about criminal history on the initial job application. This is a significant advantage because it allows you to be evaluated on your skills and experience first, with the background check coming later — usually after a conditional job offer. Under EEOC guidelines, retailers are expected to use individualized assessment, considering the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and whether the conviction is relevant to the position.
One important distinction in retail is the difference between store-level and distribution-center positions. Many people with records find it easier to get hired at distribution centers and warehouses operated by retail companies. These roles — picking, packing, loading, and unloading — tend to have less restrictive background check requirements than customer-facing store positions. If your record involves theft or property crimes, distribution center roles may be a better starting point.
Grocery stores deserve special mention. Chains like Kroger, ALDI, Publix, H-E-B, Safeway, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's have constant turnover in specialized departments like deli, bakery, produce, and meat cutting. These roles require specific skills that are always in demand, and managers in these departments often have more autonomy in hiring decisions. If you can demonstrate reliability and a willingness to learn, grocery stores can be an excellent entry point back into the workforce.
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All 77 Retail Companies
Application guide for Walmart. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Target. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Home Depot. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Lowe's. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Costco. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Kroger. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Dollar General. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Dollar Tree. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Family Dollar. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Best Buy. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Hobby Lobby. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for AutoZone. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Ross Dress for Less. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for TJ Maxx. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Macy's. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for ALDI. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Publix. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for H-E-B. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Safeway. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Find the current Whole Foods store, support-office or facility application route; a shared Amazon screening rule is not verified.
Application guide for Sam's Club. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Trader Joe's. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for BJ's Wholesale Club. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Food Lion. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Winn-Dixie. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Meijer. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Big Lots. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Menards. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for O'Reilly Auto Parts. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Advance Auto Parts. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for NAPA Auto Parts. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Ace Hardware. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Pep Boys. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for 7-Eleven. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Wawa. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Sheetz. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Circle K. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Casey's General Store. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for QuikTrip. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Nordstrom. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for JCPenney. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Kohl's. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Belk. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Bealls. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Academy Sports + Outdoors. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Bass Pro Shops. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Cabela's. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Tractor Supply Co.. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Harbor Freight Tools. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Five Below. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Burlington. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Staples. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Office Depot. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for GameStop. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Foot Locker. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Michaels. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Sears. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Rue21. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Marshalls. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for HomeGoods. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Hot Topic. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for PetSmart. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for WinCo Foods. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Giant Eagle. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Piggly Wiggly. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Save-A-Lot. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Hy-Vee. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Albertsons. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Sprouts Farmers Market. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Lowes Foods. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Love's Travel Stops. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Pilot Flying J. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for CarMax. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Carvana. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for DriveTime. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Bath & Body Works. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Application guide for Old Navy. A hiring outcome or company-wide criminal-record rule has not been verified for this directory entry.
Tips for Getting Hired in Retail With a Record
- 1.Retail stores have two main hiring tracks: store floor (cashier, stocker, sales associate) and distribution center/warehouse. If store-level positions are difficult to get, try the distribution centers — they often have more relaxed background requirements.
- 2.Theft and shoplifting convictions are the biggest red flags in retail. If your record involves property crimes, focus on non-cash-handling positions like stocking, receiving, or inventory roles.
- 3.Apply during peak hiring seasons: August-September (back to school), October-November (holiday hiring). Stores hire thousands of seasonal workers and are more flexible during these surges.
- 4.Many major retailers are Ban the Box compliant, meaning they will not ask about your criminal history on the initial application. This gives you a chance to impress them with your qualifications first.
- 5.Grocery stores (Kroger, ALDI, Publix, H-E-B) are often more accessible than general retail because they have constant turnover in departments like deli, bakery, and produce. These specialized roles are always in demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What retail stores hire felons?
- Many major retail chains hire people with felony records, including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, Costco, Kroger, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Best Buy, ALDI, TJ Maxx, Ross, Macy's, and many more. Most use individualized assessment, meaning they consider the nature and age of the offense rather than automatically disqualifying all applicants with records. Warehouse and distribution center roles tend to be more accessible than customer-facing store positions.
- Does Walmart hire felons?
- Walmart considers applicants with felony records on a case-by-case basis. They run background checks through a third-party provider and consider factors like the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to the position. Violent felonies and theft-related convictions within the past 7 years are more likely to be disqualifying. Many people with non-violent records have been successfully hired at Walmart stores and distribution centers.
- Can I work retail with a theft conviction?
- It is more difficult but not impossible. Many retail employers view theft convictions as higher risk for positions involving cash handling or merchandise access. However, some retailers will still consider you if the conviction is older (typically 5-7+ years) and you can demonstrate rehabilitation. Distribution center and warehouse roles within retail companies may be more accessible because they do not involve direct customer transactions. Start with retailers known to be more flexible, such as Dollar General, TJ Maxx, or Ross.
- Do retail stores do background checks?
- Most large retail chains run background checks, typically after making a conditional job offer. The check usually covers criminal history going back 7 years (though this varies by state). Small, independently owned stores are less likely to run formal checks. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), employers must get your written consent before running a background check, and they must give you a copy of the report and a chance to dispute errors before taking adverse action.
- What is the easiest retail job to get with a felony?
- Overnight stocking, warehouse/distribution center roles, and cart attendant positions tend to be the easiest retail jobs to get with a felony record. These positions have higher turnover and less customer interaction. Dollar stores (Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar) are also generally easier to get hired at because they have high turnover, smaller teams, and more flexible hiring practices. Grocery stores are another good option, particularly in the deli, bakery, or produce departments.
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