22 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 22 Retail Companies
Walmart considers applicants with records on a case-by-case basis. Violent and theft-related felonies may disqualify.
Target uses individualized assessment for applicants with records. Ban the Box compliant nationwide.
Home Depot considers applicants with records individually. Theft and violent felonies may be disqualifying.
Lowe's uses individualized assessment. Some positions involving driving or equipment have stricter checks.
Costco does background checks but considers records individually. Known for second-chance hiring in warehouses.
Kroger hires people with records for many store and warehouse positions. Pharmacy roles are more restricted.
Dollar General conducts background checks but is known to hire people with non-violent felony records.
Dollar Tree conducts background checks but hires many people with records. Also owns Family Dollar.
Family Dollar (Dollar Tree subsidiary) hires people with records for store associate roles. Theft convictions may disqualify.
Best Buy is Ban the Box compliant with individualized assessment. Theft convictions are harder for sales roles.
Hobby Lobby runs background checks but considers applicants individually. Privately held, corporate-owned stores.
AutoZone is known to hire people with records for store associate and parts specialist roles.
Ross runs background checks but considers applicants individually. Distribution centers may be more accessible.
TJ Maxx (TJX Companies) is Ban the Box compliant and uses individualized assessment for applicants with records.
Macy's has been Ban the Box compliant since 2014. Individualized assessment considers time elapsed and rehabilitation.
ALDI runs background checks but hires some people with records. German-owned with efficient operations.
Publix is employee-owned and considers applicants individually. Florida-based with Southeast locations.
H-E-B is a Texas-based grocer known to give second chances. Warehouse and in-store roles available.
Safeway (Albertsons-owned) runs background checks but considers records individually. Grocery and warehouse roles.
Whole Foods (Amazon-owned) follows Amazon's fair chance approach. Background checks are individualized.
Sam's Club (Walmart-owned) has similar hiring policies to Walmart. Case-by-case background review.
Trader Joe's runs background checks but is known for inclusive hiring and competitive crew pay.
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.