Quick Answer

Yes, Dillard’s hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. The family-owned department store chain values reliability and work ethic more than background history. Starting pay ranges from $12–$16/ hour for sales and stock associates, with management positions earning $55,000–$90,000/year (approximately $26–$43/ hour).

About Dillard’s

Founded in 1938, Dillard’s operates over 280 department stores across 29 states, primarily concentrated in the South, Southwest, and Midwest. The company remains family-owned, giving it more hiring flexibility than large corporate retailers. Dillard’s specializes in apparel, cosmetics, and home goods positioned between mid-tier and upscale department stores.

Dillard’s employs more than 35,000 people nationwide and continues to maintain a strong regional focus in states such as Texas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana. For job seekers with criminal records, Dillard’s offers notable advantages:

1. Family-owned structure allows flexible decision-making.

2. Regional employment attitudes in the South and Midwest tend to be practical and forgiving.

3. 280 stores provide accessibility for applicants across multiple states.

4. Case-by-case evaluation ensures no automatic disqualifications.

Does Dillard’s Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. Dillard’s hiring decisions are made on an individual basis. There is no blanket policy against hiring people with felony records. Each store manager and regional HR department evaluates applicants individually.

Dillard’s approach includes:

• Family-owned flexibility

• Regional variation in decisions

• Store-level manager discretion

• Individual assessment of each applicant

• Documented reports of hires with criminal records

What Dillard’s considers:

• Nature and context of the offense

• Time elapsed since conviction

• Relevance to retail duties

• Rehabilitation and references

• Local employment culture and store discretion

Applicants with older, non-violent, or non-theft-related offenses have reported better success, especially in stock or operations positions that involve less direct customer interaction.

Available Jobs at Dillard’s for People with Records

Sales Associate

($12–$16/ hour)

Assists customers, manages merchandise displays, and provides sales support on the sales floor.

Stock Associate

($13–$17/ hour)

Unloads shipments, stocks inventory, and maintains the backroom and warehouse area. This is one of the most accessible positions for applicants with felony records.

Cosmetics Consultant

($13–$18/ hour + commission)

Sells beauty products and provides product demonstrations at the cosmetics counter.

Cashier

($12–$15/ hour)

Handles customer transactions, returns, and front-end operations.

Alterations Associate

($14–$19/ hour)

Performs clothing adjustments and repairs. This skilled role often provides higher hourly pay.

Seasonal Associate

($12–$16/ hour)

Supports the store during holiday rushes and large sale events. Seasonal work can lead to long-term employment.

Department Manager

($35,000–$50,000/year → $17–$24/ hour)

Oversees a department, supervises associates, and ensures sales targets are met.

Store Manager

($55,000–$90,000/year → $26–$43/ hour)

Manages all store operations, staff, and financial performance. Many managers started as entry-level employees.

Career path example: Stock Associate → Sales Associate → Department Manager → Store Manager

Background Check Process

Dillard’s conducts a standard retail background check following a conditional job offer.

What to expect:

• 7-year criminal history lookback

• Review of identity and employment history

• Processing time of 5–7 business days

• Case-by-case consideration of results

• Drug testing may vary depending on state or store

The company emphasizes store-level discretion, meaning individual managers can choose to move forward even with certain record findings.

Application Tips

1. Apply in the South, Southwest, or Midwest. Dillard’s regional focus means stores in these areas often show more flexibility.

   
   

2. Target stockroom roles. These behind-the-scenes jobs are the most accessible for applicants with records.

   
   

3. Use the family-owned structure to your advantage. Hiring decisions are local and personal, not overly corporate.

   
   

4. Apply to multiple locations. Submit applications to 5–10 stores to improve your chances.

   
   

5. Emphasize reliability and honesty. Southern and Midwestern stores value strong work ethic and trustworthiness.

   
   

6. Take advantage of seasonal hiring. Apply during the holidays for short-term openings that can lead to permanent roles.

   
   

7. Mention transferable skills. Experience in retail, logistics, or customer service is valuable.

   
   

8. Follow up personally. Visit the store and ask to speak with the hiring manager after applying.

   
   

9. Be transparent if asked about your background. Keep it brief and focus on your rehabilitation and readiness to work.

   
   

10. Ask about growth opportunities. Dillard’s promotes from within for most management roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dillard’s hire felons?

Yes. The company evaluates each applicant on a case-by-case basis rather than enforcing a blanket exclusion.

What states is Dillard’s located in?

Dillard’s operates in 29 states, mainly in the South, Southwest, and Midwest, including Texas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri.

What positions are best for applicants with records?

Stock Associate and Seasonal Associate roles are the most accessible starting points.

Does Dillard’s drug test?

Drug testing policies vary by store and state but are typically required for management or safety-sensitive roles.

How long does the background check take?

Usually 5–7 business days, depending on the store and third-party provider.

Will my felony automatically disqualify me?

No. Dillard’s makes hiring decisions based on the details of each case.

What’s unique about Dillard’s hiring process?

Because it’s family-owned, local managers often have more discretion and flexibility in hiring decisions.

Can I grow into management positions?

Yes. Many managers began as sales or stock associates and advanced internally.

When is the best time to apply?

Holiday and seasonal hiring peaks between October and December.

What should I highlight in my interview?

Focus on reliability, customer service, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Belk – Southern regional department store; family-owned culture and flexible hiring.

• Macy’s – National retailer with seasonal hiring and case-by-case evaluations.

• Kohl’s – 1,100+ stores; fair-chance employer with strong seasonal programs.

• JCPenney – 650+ stores; accessible retail chain with similar hiring flexibility.

• Von Maur – Midwest-based department store known for customer service and regional hiring opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Dillard’s provides one of the more flexible retail employment options for individuals with felony records, especially within the South and Midwest. The company’s family-owned nature allows stores to make independent hiring decisions, often focusing on character and reliability rather than past mistakes.

Key Points:

• Case-by-case evaluation

• 280+ stores across 29 states

• Family-owned flexibility

• Stock positions most accessible

• Starting pay $12–$16/ hour

• Advancement to management roles ($26–$43/ hour)

• Strong regional hiring culture

Those ready to apply can visit Dillards.com/careers to explore open positions and submit applications directly.