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Visual Merchandising Associate Jobs in Athens, GA

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Visual Merchandising Associate information

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$5

$26

$35

How much do visual merchandising associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for visual merchandising associate in Athens, GA is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $34.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Visual Merchandising Associate, you need a keen eye for design, strong spatial awareness, and experience in retail or visual merchandising, often with a related degree or certification. Familiarity with planogram software, inventory management systems, and basic graphic design tools is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with team members and implementing visually appealing displays. These skills ensure that product presentations attract customers, drive sales, and maintain the brand's visual standards in a competitive retail environment.

What is a visual merchandising associate?

Visual Merchandising Associates are retail professionals responsible for creating attractive product displays and layouts in stores to enhance the shopping experience and drive sales. They collaborate with store managers and other teams to implement visual strategies, ensuring products are presented in a way that aligns with brand standards and seasonal themes. Their duties include arranging merchandise, setting up promotional displays, and maintaining an organized, visually appealing store environment. Visual Merchandising Associates use creativity and attention to detail to influence customer behavior and highlight key products.

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

AspectVisual Merchandising AssociateRetail Sales Associate
Primary RoleDesigns and arranges product displays to attract customersAssists customers, processes sales, and maintains store appearance
Skills & CertificationsCreativity, knowledge of visual display standards, sometimes fashion or design backgroundCustomer service, sales techniques, product knowledge
Work EnvironmentDesign areas, retail stores, visual display zonesSales floor, customer service areas
Industry UsageFashion, retail, department storesAll retail sectors

While both roles work within retail environments, a Visual Merchandising Associate focuses on creating appealing displays to enhance store aesthetics and attract customers. In contrast, a Retail Sales Associate primarily engages with customers directly to drive sales and provide service. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path within retail settings.

What are some common challenges faced by visual merchandising associates, and how can they be addressed?

Visual Merchandising Associates often face challenges such as tight deadlines for resetting displays, limited floor space, and adapting to frequent changes in promotional themes or inventory. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and close collaboration with store management and sales teams to ensure displays are both visually appealing and promote key products. Staying updated on current retail trends and maintaining open communication with colleagues can help overcome these obstacles and contribute to an engaging shopping environment.

Are visual merchandising associates well paid?

Visual merchandising associates typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location and experience, with median pay around minimum wage to slightly above, and some positions offering bonuses or commissions. Salaries can increase with experience, specialized skills, or working for larger retailers, but overall compensation is generally moderate compared to other retail roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Merchandising jobs in Athens, GA? The most popular types of Visual Merchandising jobs in Athens, GA are:
What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Visual Merchandising Associate jobs? Cities near Athens, GA with the most Visual Merchandising Associate job openings:

Visual Merchandising Team Manager - UGA Bookstore

Follett

Athens, GA • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Follett rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

623rd of 731 rated retailers


Job description

Join the Follett Team, where employees are valued, respected, and offered career paths throughout its many campus locations.  Follett serves over half of the students in the United States and works with 80,000 schools as a leading provider of education technology, services, and print and digital content. We're higher education's largest campus retailer and a hub for school spirit and community as we operate nearly 1,200 local campus stores and over 1,600 virtual stores across the continent. We take pride in the fact that for more than 140 years, we have been helping to improve people's lives by supporting a lifetime of learning and education.
Pay Rate - $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Position Overview

The Department Manager General Merchandise (GM) manages the General Merchandise department at a large store, including managing employee activities to meet the financial and marketing objectives of the company. Coordinates sales promotions with the Home Office and manages execution in the store. This position also assists customers and suggests the selection of products based on knowledge of current products, familiarity with offerings, and customer interactions. Demonstrates strong knowledge of Follett systems and strategies (Included Program, Academic Tools, System Integrations, etc.), the industry, and the competitive landscape to execute initiatives, drive profitable sales, and control expenses. Effectively executes company programs and initiatives. Ensures compliance with company policies and procedures. Partners with various support partners, including Store Operations, RCMS, AP, HR, and Training. Consistently demonstrates Follett Values - Integrity, Accountability, Customers, Each and Every Associate, Innovation, and Teamwork. Demonstrates proficiency in Follett Strategic Competencies.

Responsibilities

  • Supervises the employees of the department, including assigning and evaluating work as well as interviewing, hiring, and training new employees.
  • Supervises the Home Office-regulated Return-to-Vendor (RTV) receiving and scanning processes.
  • Assists customers in finding products.
  • Manages the special order functions and notifies customers.
  • Partners to create and maintain a Hassle Free customer service culture, focused on solutions-based selling and an exceptional customer experience.
  • Builds key partnerships with other store staff and campus organizations for promotional and special events and assists with off-site sales opportunities (e.g., graduation, basketball, football, author signings, etc.).
  • Conducts store walkthroughs daily to ensure proper stock levels, inventory placement, and customer service levels.
  • Manages the in-store merchandise display from the stockroom to the sales floor, serving as the liaison between the Store and the Planner.
  • Creates and maintains displays in compliance with company standards.
  • Executes Home Office-initiated markups and markdowns, analyzes financial reports, processes purchase orders, and approves invoices.
  • Partners with the Store Manager to execute promotions and sales and ensures proper inventory levels based on sales and trends.
  • May perform website maintenance and fill orders. Maintains price accuracy and merchandise availability on the store website.
  • Responds to student, faculty, staff, alumni, and other customer questions and issues resolving escalated issues as necessary.
  • May manage the store in the store manager's absence or occasionally supervise other departments.
  • May open or close the store.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
 
Follett Higher Education is a drug-free workplace environment.Requirements
  • 3-5 years of relevant experience.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
  • 3-5 years of retail supervisory experience; computer literacy.
  • Strong communication skills (verbal and written) are required.
  • Previous supervisory/management experience is required.
  • General computer skills.
Full time benefits: 
•    Medical, Dental, & Vison 
•    Voluntary Insurance plans 
•    401k + 100% company match (up to 4%) 
•    80 hours vacation + sick days 
•    10 paid company holidays 
•    Quarterly Bonus Plan 
Equal Opportunity Employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
 

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