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Retail Design Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

AKIRA

Retail Design & New Store Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

AKIRA Retail Design & New Store Development In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the ...

AKIRA

Retail Design & New Store Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

AKIRA Retail Design & New Store Development In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the ...

JLL

Design Manager

Chicago, IL

In this role as Design Manager within Retail Design & Construction, you'll leverage your extensive retail banking and hospitality-focused financial services design expertise to work closely with ...

Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc.

Design Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

In this role as Design Manager within Retail Design & Construction, you'll leverage your extensive retail banking and hospitality-focused financial services design expertise to work closely with ...

JLL

Occupancy Planner / Design Manager

Chicago, IL

Occupancy Planner / Design Manager Position Summary JLL has an exciting opportunity for an Occupancy Planner / Retail Design Manager supporting a key financial services client across its branch and ...

New

The Shade Store

Design Consultant

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Experience: 3-5 years in retail, design, sales, project management or customer service with a focus on a high-end experience. * Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, and CRM systems ...

The Shade Store

Design Consultant

Winnetka, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Experience: 3-5 years in retail, design, sales, project management or customer service with a focus on a high-end experience. * Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, and CRM systems ...

The Shade Store

Design Consultant

Lake Forest, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

Experience: 3-5 years in retail, design, sales, project management or customer service with a focus on a high-end experience. * Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, and CRM systems ...

The Shade Store

Design Consultant

Winnetka, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

Experience: 3-5 years in retail, design, sales, project management or customer service with a focus on a high-end experience. * Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, and CRM systems ...

The Norr Company

Project Manager, Retail

Chicago, IL

Purpose-driven retail design and architectural services shape how customers engage with brands and drive product performance. Backed by extensive experience across national and international programs ...

NORR

Project Manager, Retail

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$170K/yr

Design thinking is a cornerstone of our purpose as it has for more than 85 years. We push the ... Learn more about our Retail Portfolio. We are currently seeking a Project Manager to plan and ...

NORR

Project Manager, Retail

Chicago, IL · On-site

Design excellence continues to guide everything we do. Purpose-driven retail design and architectural services shape how customers engage with brands and drive product performance. Backed by ...

Framebridge

Retail Part Time Keyholder: Southport

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

In order to fulfill our mission, we have to build a great team across a number of disciplines - ecommerce, retail, design, and manufacturing. We are a growing consumer based business operating online ...

NORR

Senior Technical Designer, Retail

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Design excellence continues to guide everything we do. Purpose-driven retail design and architectural services shape how customers engage with brands and drive product performance. Backed by ...

Stantec

Design Coordinator - Retail

Chicago, IL · On-site

Join us and design your place with Stantec. The buildings that make up the landscape of our daily lives seem like permanent fixtures, fastened to a time and place. But what if that didn't have to be ...

Stantec

Design Coordinator - Retail

Chicago, IL · On-site

$79K - $114K/yr

Participates in design critiques and pin-ups. * Interprets and applies building and zoning codes and requirements of other regulatory agencies to individual projects. * Prepares and revises ...

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Retail Design information

See Illinois salary details

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How much do retail design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail design in Illinois is $15.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $16.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a retail designer?

A retail designer is a professional who creates the visual and functional layout of retail spaces to enhance customer experience and drive sales. They use design principles, space planning, and branding to develop store concepts, often working with CAD software and collaborating with clients and contractors. Strong creativity, understanding of retail trends, and knowledge of materials are essential in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a retail designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retail Designer, you need a strong background in spatial design, visual merchandising, and a degree in interior, retail, or architectural design. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills help you effectively collaborate with clients and cross-functional teams. These abilities are crucial for creating engaging retail environments that drive customer engagement and maximize sales.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in retail design, and how can they be addressed?

Retail Design professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with budget constraints, meeting tight project deadlines, and adapting designs to evolving consumer trends. Successfully addressing these issues usually involves close collaboration with clients, project managers, and construction teams to ensure that design concepts are both feasible and cost-effective. Staying updated on retail trends and maintaining open communication throughout the project lifecycle can also help Retail Designers deliver innovative, customer-focused spaces while meeting business objectives.

What is retail design?

Retail design is the process of creating and arranging the physical layout, visual elements, and overall environment of retail spaces such as stores, boutiques, and showrooms. This field combines aspects of architecture, interior design, merchandising, and branding to enhance the customer shopping experience and maximize sales. Retail designers work closely with brands and retailers to develop creative solutions that reflect a brand’s identity while optimizing functionality and aesthetics. The end goal is to create engaging and practical spaces that attract customers and encourage them to interact with products.

What are popular job titles related to Retail Design jobs in Illinois?

For Retail Design jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Retail Design jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Retail Design jobs in Illinois are:

Retail Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Retail Design job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,792 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Retail Design & New Store Development

AKIRA

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

Akira rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

AKIRA Retail Design & New Store Development
In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.
The Position: Retail Design & New Store Development
Location: HQ - Chicago, IL (Onsite). This is not a remote position and requires regular onsite attendance, with up to 50% travel to support new store openings, remodels, and operations across 40+ retail locations.
Overview
The Retail Design & New Store Development is responsible for the design, planning, development, and implementation of new retail store locations and remodel projects. This role combines creative design, project coordination, installation support, and vendor management to ensure stores are visually appealing, functional, and aligned with company standards. The position works closely with company leadership, store owners, contractors, and vendors to deliver projects on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop innovative store layouts and design concepts for new store locations and remodels.
  • Create floor plans, fixture layouts, elevations, and store presentations.
  • Present store layouts, design concepts, and project updates to management and store owners for review and approval.
  • Coordinate all aspects of new store development from concept through installation and store opening.
  • Conduct site visits, store surveys, and project assessments as required.
  • Collaborate with contractors, vendors, architects, and internal teams to ensure successful project execution.
  • Coordinate store fixture, signage, display, and equipment installations.
  • Assist with hands-on installation activities when necessary to ensure store readiness.
  • Place, track, and manage orders for fixtures, signage, equipment, displays, and other store-related materials.
  • Monitor project timelines, budgets, and delivery schedules.
  • Ensure all store designs comply with company standards, local building codes, and safety requirements.
  • Resolve design, installation, and operational issues during project implementation.
  • Maintain accurate project documentation and records.
  • Support store openings, relocations, and remodel projects.
  • Research industry trends and recommend improvements to store design and customer experience.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Retail Design, or a related field preferred.
  • Experience in retail store design, store planning, interior design, or new store development.
  • Knowledge of retail fixtures, construction, installation, and store opening processes.
  • Experience working with vendors, contractors, and store owners.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Required Skills
  • Ability to travel as required for store visits, installations, meetings, and new store openings.
  • Strong installation skills and understanding of store setup procedures.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong computer skills, including the ability to create and present store layouts and design concepts to management and store owners.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, or similar design software preferred.
  • Ability to place, manage, and track orders for fixtures, equipment, signage, and store supplies.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
  • Comfortable utilizing AI-powered tools to enhance design development, project management, communication, documentation, and overall productivity.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and move materials during store installations and site visits, lift up to 60 lbs.
  • Ability to work flexible hours when supporting store openings and installations.

Success Factors
  • The ideal candidate is a creative and detail-oriented professional who enjoys both design and hands-on project execution. They possess strong communication skills, work well with teams and store owners, can manage multiple projects simultaneously, and are comfortable traveling and supporting store installations from concept through completion.

Benefits and Perks:
AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.
Job Type: Full-Time
We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.
We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.
Department Owners Role Retail Design & New Store Development Locations Chicago Headquarters Yearly salary $90,000 - $120,000 Employment type Full-time

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