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Visual Merchandising Associate Jobs in Oak Forest, IL

KOHLS

Part-Time Store Merchandising Associate

Portage, IN · On-site

$13.50/hr

Execute store merchandising standards following merchandise and visual guidelines for product ... Support and partner with other associates on merchandising incoming product All associate roles at ...

KOHLS

Part-Time Store Merchandising Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15 - $21.65/hr

Execute store merchandising standards following merchandise and visual guidelines for product ... Support and partner with other associates on merchandising incoming product All associate roles at ...

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All JobsVisual Merchandising Associate JobsVisual Merchandising Associate Jobs in Oak Forest, IL

Visual Merchandising Associate information

See Oak Forest, IL salary details

$5

$26

$35

How much do visual merchandising associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for visual merchandising associate in Oak Forest, IL is $26.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $34.66 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 cities near Oak Forest, IL are hiring for Visual Merchandising Associate jobs? Cities near Oak Forest, IL with the most Visual Merchandising Associate job openings:
Visual Merchandising Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Merchandising Associate job openings in Oak Forest, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,396 per year, or $26.2 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 8 days ago

Job description

Position Overview


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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