Journeys: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

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Journeys: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Journeys is one of the most recognizable teen and youth footwear retail chains in the United States, operating over 800 stores in shopping malls across the country. If you are applying for a position or have already received a conditional offer, understanding whether Journeys does background checks and what the process involves can help you prepare. Below, we cover Journeys' company history and ownership, workplace programs, and straightforward answers to the most-searched questions about the Journeys background check and drug test.

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Journeys: Company overview

Journeys was founded by Genesco Inc. in 1986, opening its first store at Rivergate Mall in Nashville, Tennessee. The brand grew into a leading specialty retailer focused on teen and young adult footwear, apparel, and accessories. Journeys operates primarily within enclosed shopping malls and targets a youth-oriented customer base, carrying brands that include Vans, Converse, Dr. Martens, Hey Dude, and Timberland. Journeys is the flagship retail segment of Genesco Inc., a publicly traded Nashville, Tennessee-based footwear company (NYSE: GCO) that also operates other retail and wholesale footwear brands.

Journeys has been Genesco's core retail banner since its launch and has grown to become the company's largest retail segment by store count and revenue. As of recent fiscal years, Journeys operates approximately 800 locations across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. The company employs a significant workforce of store associates, assistant managers, and store managers, the majority of whom work in part-time or full-time hourly retail roles during peak shopping seasons.

The business model centers on physical mall-based retail supplemented by e-commerce, with a focus on driving in-store customer experiences through staff product knowledge, promotions, and brand-aligned store environments. Journeys emphasizes seasonal and trend-driven footwear for its core teen demographic.

Company culture and employee programs:

Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible employees
401(k) retirement savings plan
Employee merchandise discount across Journeys and Genesco brands
Paid time off for eligible positions
Career development and promotion opportunities within the store management track
Access to employee assistance resources

Journeys background check FAQs

Does Journeys do background checks?

Yes. Journeys conducts background checks as part of its standard pre-employment process for most positions. The specific screenings ordered may vary based on the role, store location, and applicable state and local law. Both entry-level store associate positions and management roles typically go through a background review before employment is confirmed.

How long can a Journeys background check take?

Most employment background checks complete in three to five business days, though the actual timeline can vary depending on several factors:

Type of screening ordered: Database searches can return results in minutes, while manual courthouse record retrievals take longer.
Accuracy of applicant information: Errors in a name, date of birth, or Social Security number can delay processing.
State or county record access: Some jurisdictions have slower turnaround times for court record requests.
Volume of records: Applicants with records spanning multiple jurisdictions may require additional review time.

See Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times for more detail on what affects processing speed.

What can be revealed in a Journeys background check?

A Journeys background check report may include:

Identity and criminal history: SSN trace; county, state, federal, and national criminal record searches; sex-offender registry; global watchlists.
Employment verification: Confirmation of prior employers, job titles, and dates of employment as provided on the application.
Role-specific screenings: Depending on the position, additional checks such as education verification or professional license validation may be included.

The exact combination of screenings can vary by position and location.

How far back can Journeys' background check go?

Look-back periods vary by state law, the type of position, and the CRA's data sources. Many employers use a standard look-back window of seven years for most criminal convictions, though certain roles or states may allow or require a longer review period. Candidates should review state fair-chance or "ban-the-box" laws to understand local limits on how far back an employer can search criminal history.

What is the FCRA and how does it protect candidates?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets rules for how employers use consumer reports in hiring decisions. Under the FCRA, Journeys must obtain written consent before ordering a background report, provide the applicant with a copy of the report and a pre-adverse action notice if the results may affect a hiring decision, and allow time for the applicant to dispute any inaccurate information. EEOC guidance also recommends that employers conduct an individualized assessment that considers the nature of an offense, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to the specific role.

Does Journeys drug test?

It depends on the position and location. Journeys does not appear to have a universal pre-employment drug testing policy for all roles. Whether drug testing is required can depend on several factors:

Role type: Management positions or roles with additional responsibilities may be more likely to require drug screening than entry-level store associate positions.
State and local law: Some states restrict or regulate pre-employment drug testing, particularly for marijuana. Journeys' practices in those states may reflect applicable legal requirements.
Post-incident testing: Like many retailers, Journeys may require drug testing following a workplace accident or injury.
Reasonable suspicion: Supervisors may request testing if there is reasonable suspicion of impairment on the job.

Applicants with questions about whether a specific role includes drug testing should ask during the offer stage.

Does Journeys hire felons?

Journeys does not have a widely published blanket exclusion policy for applicants with felony records. Hiring decisions for applicants with criminal histories are typically made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature and age of the offense, its relevance to the position, and applicable state fair-chance hiring laws. Many states have enacted ban-the-box legislation that limits when and how employers can inquire about criminal history during the application process. Candidates with a felony record who are applying to Journeys should be prepared to discuss their history if asked at the appropriate stage of the hiring process.

What is the Journeys hiring process?

The Journeys hiring process for store positions typically follows these steps:

Application: Submit an online application through the Journeys careers website or the Genesco careers portal.
Resume review: A store manager or district manager reviews applications and selects candidates for further consideration.
Interview: Qualified candidates are contacted for an in-person interview, typically conducted at the store location.
Conditional offer: Candidates who advance receive a conditional offer of employment, contingent on completing required screenings.
Background check: A third-party CRA conducts the background screening after the candidate provides written consent.
Drug test if applicable: Depending on the role, location, and company policy at the time of hiring, a drug screening may be required.
Onboarding: Once all screenings are complete and the offer is confirmed, new hires complete orientation and training before their first shift.

The full process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the position, location, and screening timeline.

Order your own background check

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Journeys may see and helps you identify potential inaccuracies before they affect a hiring decision. In one secure report you can review:

Criminal history searches: Search databases and registries; SSN trace, sex-offender registry, global watchlists, plus national, county, state, and federal court records.
Motor vehicle records: Search a state's DMV, confirm driver's license status, and identify driving incidents.

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters or hiring managers.

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The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.