It seems like the corporate level is the only chance to advance, but yes indeed the retail sector their is no such thing as advancement (the only time I saw was recently was when this girl took a lead position). The funny thing when the previous person got fired he was a lead never got a raise. I think they were fed up so a veteran jumped in when the position opened she being attracting got the position and she said she would not take the position unless she got a raise (well she got one thats the only time I seen that ever happen). I was surprised she got a raised she has been the only person I ever heard getting a raise after being their for quiet a while.
The only thing that bothers me more than not ever getting a raise is when the manager lies to you. The manager in charge of my department has lied for years. I have heard her promise her associates I will give you full time if you work hard enough and prove to me you have excelled. I would say the time I was their about 6 really tried and s---ed up to her. Not a single one got that full time position. She would basically promise something that was never their. I think its pretty messed up to do such thing making someone delusional something that she is using as an excuse to squeeze the associate to work hard and get nothing in the end.