Personally, you should try and go into any of those places close to your house that you want to work and strike up friendly conversation with some of the people there, and ask the inside scoop:

"You're having fun! Do you know if they're looking for anyone? Great – who should I talk to about that? You guys have such a great store – What's it like to work here?"

I would just make sure I was very presentable and professional averytime I went in, strike up conversation and friendships, and you will find yourself really settling into a place that you enjoy. Make sure they know that you can separate business from pleasure, but you also appreciate that it's easier to work in an environment where people are generally friendly towards one another, and reference your experience, and state that you are serious about getting on with a good company at a good store, and working hard.

Hope that helps, especially if you've had trouble getting an invite through the typical hiring avenues (application/resume at the desk please…). Sadly, most hiring processes are very, very inefficient.

Good luck!
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