Visual Merchandiser
Job Summary:
Merchandising is an essential component of sales, advertising, and marketing. Visual merchandisers are to design, develop, and implement the visual look of a retail store and centralize the focus on the merchandise being sold. Visual merchandisers are expected to use creative techniques to highlight product potential, and enhance sales opportunities using buying trends, product placement, branded signage, and knowledge of profitable opportunities. The size of the store affects the scope of the merchandisers' responsibilities, but will typically oversee all furniture/accessory/accent visual displays, some inventory management, and training employees on merchandising impacts. The ultimate goal for our Visual presentation is to inspire guests by delivering the best possible Brand Experience within our ‘Big Box’ furniture retail environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
-Store/Department Experience-
Ensure that the store appeal is “Grand Opening Ready” each day by identifying store recovery opportunities during daily walk-throughs, and prioritizing areas of concern. Develop, collaborate and execute showroom recovery with Brand Team members according to the Living Spaces Visual Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
-Corporate Branded Merchandising-
Responsible for the execution of each corporate ordered directive, company wide campaign display and seasonal visual refresh. Displays available and appropriate Living Spaces POP or signage. Reports completion, with photos as needed, to Brand Manager.
-Guest Engagement-
The Visual Merchandiser must engage with each guest in 2 ways: technically and verbally.
Technical engagement is achieved through silent, visual communications, which appeals to the specific needs of each Living Spaces Lifestyle and Department, using product placement/accessorizing techniques that show idealistic and trend forward home-furnishings displays. In addition, all guests must be greeted with the intent to lead in service and occasionally engage with guests from a Sales associates prospective.
-Inventory and Warehouse Management-
Responsible for using Living Spaces ‘Door to Floor’ inventory process to move and track each item. The portion of the warehouse dedicated to the Visual merchandiser, used for display preparations and staging, must be labeled, organized and maintained at all times.
-Reporting-
Although the Visual directly reports to the Brand Manager and General Manager,, there will be times that information will need to be reported to the Corporate Visual Manager, Visual Brand Manager, Project Brand Manager, Regional Brand Managers, and Director of Brand.
-SOP-
Adhere to the most current Visual SOP regulations, and other Standard Operating Procedures. Score within ‘Proficiency’ or above on all visual merchandising related metrics on the Brand/Visual walk assessment.
-Training-
Complete and demonstrate competency in all Learning Spaces training modules. Learning Spaces module subjects to include, but are not limited to: Living Spaces SOP, General On-Boarding, Branding, Merchandising to the Masses, Lifestyle Profiles, Departments Safety, Product Training, and Sales Training. Attend Visual 101 On-Boarding class within the first 90 days of hire (class will most likely require some travel). Attend Visual refresher courses as mandated.
Living Spaces Core Retail Values
There are expectations for all Living Spaces employees to understand and live the company core values each workday, regardless of their title or position. By living these values, each individual can contribute to a work culture that sustains a foundation for self-development, and builds world class leaders. These values attribute to creating a staff that bridges the best possible relationship with our guests and can lead us to the best possible financial outcomes for Living Spaces.
Show Integrity, Objectivity, and Adaptability
Lead in service to others
Do things for people, not to people
Work in unity to deliver greatness while building for the future
Work Environment and Physical Demands
The work environment of a Living Spaces Visual Merchandiser are specific. Since this position is in a retail environment, Visual Merchandisers may be asked to work when there are fewer customers in the area. They may work early mornings or late nights to accommodate these requests; they also may be required to work on weekends, or put in extra hours to accommodate special projects or campaigns. While performing the essential functions of this job, Visual Merchandisers will be exposed to an active warehouse environment and may be asked to work where there are moving mechanical parts with a moderately loud noise level. The physical demands of a Visual Merchandiser may require the employee to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Visually, the employee will need the ability to adjust their focus, both near, far, and peripherally several times throughout the day. The employee must be able to climb up a ladder, as well as work from a ladder, and often times placing items overhead. While performing the above job duties, the employee is required to walk, use hands and fingers, feel and each. The employee will be required to be on their feet for a majority of their day and occasionally required to sit.
Education and Experience
2 year degree in Visual Communications, Visual Merchandising, or Interior Design recommended
2 years minimum field work experience in Visual Merchandising, Interior Design, Commercial Design, Furniture Retail, Home Staging, Set Design or Interior Space Planning.
1 year of Furniture Sales recommended
1 year of ‘Big Box’ retail experience recommended
1 year of Project Management recommended
1 year of Inventory/Warehouse Management is a plus
