Visual Merchandising Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

Visual Merchandising Retail Lead

On-Site - Minneapolis, MN Updated: 7/20/2026

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Reports To: VP, Communications & Business Development FLSA Status: Full-Time Exempt

About ERIK'S:

As one of the largest independent bicycle retailers in the U.S., ERIK'S thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy environment where every team member plays a key role in our success. We recognize hard work, promote from within, and build teams that love to win. If you're looking to take the next step in your visual merchandising career, this role offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact.

We are seeking a Visual Merchandising Retail Lead who will serve as the primary visual merchandising partner for our retail stores. This role focuses on coaching, communication, execution, and accountability by working directly with Store Managers and retail teams to create consistent, inspiring customer experiences across every ERIK'S location.

Success in this position comes from building strong relationships, identifying opportunities, providing clear direction, and ensuring execution through ongoing follow-up. Although based at our central offices in Minneapolis, this role will spend significant time traveling to stores and is expected to visit nearly every ERIK'S location each year along with being on site for longer periods (up to 2 weeks) during new location openings. This position influences through expertise rather than positional authority and thrives by earning trust, developing partnerships, and helping stores continuously improve.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Retail Store Partnership:
  • Serve as the primary visual merchandising contact for all retail stores.
  • Develop trusted relationships with Store Managers and Market Leaders.
  • Conduct regular store visits to evaluate merchandising execution.
  • Provide coaching and actionable recommendations that improve presentation and customer experience.
  • Follow up consistently until projects are fully completed.

• Visual Standards & Execution:
  • Ensure company visual merchandising standards are consistently executed.
  • Identify opportunities to improve product presentation, customer flow, and selling effectiveness.
  • Help stores maximize space utilization while maintaining flexibility for changing inventory.
  • Recommend merchandising adjustments based on customer behavior and seasonal priorities.

• Training & Development:
  • Train Store Managers and retail staff on merchandising best practices.
  • Develop simple visual guides and merchandising examples.
  • Lead virtual merchandising meetings and store walkthroughs.
  • Reinforce merchandising expectations throughout the year.
  • Utilize sales data and consumer trends to inform strategic decisions.

• Store Communication:
  • Maintain regular communication with every retail location.
  • Coordinate merchandising initiatives with marketing and operations.
  • Provide stores with clear priorities and timelines.
  • Ensure stores understand the "why" behind merchandising decisions.

• Store Visits:
  • Conduct visual assessments
  • Coach store teams
  • Assist with seasonal transitions
  • Support remodels and assist with new store openings
  • Verify execution of company initiatives

Qualifications:

Required

• 2-5+ years of retail visual merchandising experience
• Strong interpersonal and coaching skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives
• Frequent local travel to retail stores
• Comfortable traveling out of market 20% of the time
• Valid driver's license and ability to be on ERIK'S insured driver's list.

Desired Skills

• Strong visual eye
• Spatial planning
• Retail merchandising
• Coaching and influence
• Customer-first mindset
• Problem solving
• Adaptability
• Comfortable presenting to groups

What Success Looks Like:

• Store consistently execute merchandising standards.
• Visual opportunities are identified before becoming problems.
• Projects are completed through consistent follow-up.
• Customers experience visual continuity across all ERIK'S locations.

Ready to ride with us? Apply today and take the next step in your visual merchandising career at ERIK'S!