I have worked for Hallmark as well. They pay minimum wage and provide minimum hours and expect maximum productivity. My experience is exactly how I described it. Maybe in your area there are merchandisers who can afford better on minimum wage at 6-17 hours a week? Not in mine and I live in one of the poorest states in the U.S!
ATA was mentioned as an accommodating company that also has pretty low expectations for experience in a merchandiser as I assumed the OP was asking. I didn't say ATA has anything to do with Hallmark except make the connection with what companies one can "start-out" in merchandising.
I'm not an employee, thankfully for me TOO, because I don't have to work for minimum wage as I am highly experienced.
A note to you: You know when there's those Holiday rush resets and extra stocking and Hallmark hires out to Crossmark and they send in their employees? Well, I'm on of those and they pay $17.00 an hour plus a bonus of $2 an hour if you complete all of the Hallmark hours you were assigned to. Take that up with the lovely and endearing Hallmark!!