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Retail Visual Merchandising Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Claire's

Sr. Associate, Visual Merchandising

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$60K/yr

... the retail fleet. • Keep up with industry trends and innovate new and different ways to ... visual merchandising experience required • Self-starter with a strong attention to detail • ...

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Retail Visual Merchandising information

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How much do retail visual merchandising jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail visual merchandising in Chicago, IL is $17.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is retail visual merchandising?

Retail visual merchandising is the practice of designing and arranging store layouts, displays, and product placements to attract customers and encourage sales. It involves creating visually appealing environments that highlight products and communicate the store’s brand or message. Visual merchandisers use elements like lighting, color, signage, and props to enhance the shopping experience and guide customer behavior throughout the store.

How does a retail visual merchandiser typically collaborate with store management and sales teams?

Retail Visual Merchandisers work closely with store management and sales teams to ensure that displays align with current promotions and drive customer engagement. They regularly communicate with managers to understand sales goals and adjust visual strategies accordingly. Collaboration also involves training store staff on maintaining displays and gathering feedback on customer reactions, helping to refine merchandising tactics and support overall store performance.

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

To thrive as a Retail Visual Merchandiser, you need a keen eye for design, an understanding of consumer behavior, and often a background in visual merchandising, fashion, or retail management. Familiarity with planogram software, design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, and inventory management systems is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you create engaging displays and collaborate with sales teams. These competencies drive sales, enhance brand image, and improve the overall in-store customer experience.

What is the difference between Retail Visual Merchandising vs Retail Store Associate?

AspectRetail Visual MerchandisingRetail Store Associate
Primary RoleDesigning and implementing visual displays to attract customersAssisting customers, stocking shelves, and maintaining store cleanliness
Skills & CertificationsCreativity, design skills, knowledge of visual standardsCustomer service, communication, basic sales skills
Work EnvironmentDesign areas, store floors, visual display zonesSales floor, customer service areas
Industry UsageFashion retail, department stores, specialty shopsAll retail sectors including apparel, electronics, grocery

Retail Visual Merchandising focuses on creating appealing displays to enhance the shopping experience, while Retail Store Associates handle daily customer interactions and sales. Both roles are essential in retail, but they differ in responsibilities, skills, and work environment.

How much money do retail visual merchandisers make?

Retail visual merchandisers typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of displays. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in high-cost areas can earn higher salaries. Skills in design, creativity, and familiarity with retail environments are important for earning potential.

What does a retail visual merchandiser do in retail?

A retail visual merchandiser is responsible for creating attractive product displays and store layouts to enhance customer experience and increase sales. They plan and execute visual strategies using design principles, often using tools like planograms and signage, and work closely with store staff to ensure displays are maintained and updated regularly.
Retail Visual Merchandising jobs near you
Infographic showing various Retail Visual Merchandising job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,271 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Visual Merchandising Associate (Full Time) - Oakbrook, IL

Fastretailing

Oak Brook, IL

$16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position Overview
Starting salary : $16.50 / hour


Reporting to the Visual Manager, the Visual Associate provides solutions to store specific visual and merchandising challenges using brand standards and corporate visual guidelines to maintain brand integrity. The Visual Associate adapts corporate visual direction based on individual store need and inventory levels to drive sales through strategic merchandise placement, impactful styling and compelling displays.
Key Responsibilities

  • Provide a consistent customer experience by maintaining brand standards for visual presentation, cleanliness and organization throughout the store.

  • Ensure all merchandise is represented on the floor in full size runs and proper signage is present.

  • Partner with management to prepare for and implement seasonal merchandising presentations and new visual merchandising initiatives.

  • Partner with store management team to monitor merchandise sell through and replenishment utilizing sales reports.

  • Create visually appealing and brand appropriate displays to drive sales and react to the needs of the business in the store.

  • Follow company styling directives to style on trend displays.

  • Adjust lighting to highlight merchandise and displays per company standard.

  • Pro-actively manage customer needs and exceed expectations by utilizing the U.N.I.Q.L.O. service standard, following the Uniqlo Fundamental Principles and saying the 6 standard phrases.

  • Provide product and brand knowledge to employees and customers.

  • Follow all company policy and procedure & notify management of any infractions

  • Assist management to identify and resolve issues in the store.

  • Support store team to meet and exceed sales goals.

  • Assist with special projects as assigned by management

Required Skills And Abilities

  • Ability to create compelling visual presentations according to company guidelines and brand standards.

  • Ability to use creative freedom when styling mannequins.

  • Ability to drive sales through effective merchandise placement and display.

  • Excellent eye for detail

  • Ability to offer solutions to store specific visual and merchandising challenges using brand standards and HQ direction as a guideline

  • Ability to identify potential visual merchandising opportunities and provide creative solutions.

  • Ability to work within teams and create partnerships

  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work with a sense of urgency.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work on ladders (i.e. carry mannequins, product or display props up ladders)

  • Ability to effectively communicate with customers and store personnel

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs

  • Ability to stand for long periods of time, read computer terminals, push, pull or move objects of at least 25 pounds

  • Ability to effectively maneuver around sales floor and stockroom by repetitive bending, twisting, stooping, squatting, and climbing

Schedule Requirements

  • Open availability to work a flexible schedule that meets the business needs, including evenings, overnights and weekends

Experience

  • Minimum one (1) year in retail visual merchandising or display

Salary: $16.50/hr

*The offered salary or salary range is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, overall experience, relevant experience, education level, certifications, applicable skills and expertise, and location of the position.

Benefits:

Full-Time, hourly position, the Company provides:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & ADD, Short and Long Term Disability

  • Flexible spending and commuter benefits accounts

  • 15 days of paid vacation/personal leave and 9 days of sick leave per calendar year, pro-rated based on hire date;

  • 8 days of paid holidays and 1.5 times the employee's regular rate for all hours worked on stated holidays

  • 401K (with employer matching);

  • We offer competitive compensation for visual merchandising associates starting at $16.50 along with a clear path to promotion opportunities every 3 months based on individual performance!

  • Career advancement opportunities for driven team members who consistently deliver strong results.

The Company is committed to equal pay initiatives and will not ask candidates for their current or past salary.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Fast Retailing does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, citizenship, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or because of any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

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