Area Visual Merchandiser - Orland Park

AKIRA; Orland Park (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Pet Insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability (LTD)

FSA/HSA

Flex Transit (CTA)

401(k)

Employee discount

Job summary

AKIRA in Chicago is seeking a Visual Merchandiser to elevate in-store presentation and transform products into engaging experiences that support sales goals.

You will lead floor moves, display updates, and daily merchandising tasks, collaborating with store leadership to align visuals with business targets. The role emphasizes ownership, styling, and customer connection in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• Strong sense of fashion trends and retail styling.
• Ability to curate visuals for diverse aesthetics and body types.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Clear, effective communication with store leadership and teams.
• Willingness to lift up to 50 lbs and stay active on shift.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize and complete daily merchandising tasks based on store needs and sales trends.
• Execute floor moves, layout changes, and merchandising displays in line with AKIRA's visual standards.
• Partner with store leadership to align visuals with business goals and drive selling synergy.
• Conduct daily visual evaluations and provide insights to improve execution and performance.
• Ensure customers experience AKIRA styling service and engage as needed.
• Perform upkeep during visual changes including cleaning, lighting adjustments, and rack maintenance.
• Support store operations, including processing shipments and taking leadership roles when needed.
• Lead through example with hands-on selling, feedback, and team support.

Skills

Trend awareness

Fashion sense

Organizational agility

Time management

Clear communication

Independence

Physical stamina

Job description

AKIRA – Visual Merchandiser

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: Other-Worldly Customer Service and 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.

Position: Visual Merchandiser

Position Overview:

As a Visual Merchandiser, you'll be the creative force behind our in-store presentation. You'll transform the product into an experience-balancing aesthetics, storytelling, and performance. Your work not only elevates the customer experience but also drives sales by aligning merchandising with our selling culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Prioritize and complete daily merchandising tasks based on store needs and sales trends.
• Execute floor moves, layout changes, and all merchandising displays (walls, tables, racks, accessories, mannequins, windows) in line with AKIRA's visual standards.
• Partner with store leadership to align visuals with business goals and create synergy between styling and selling.
• Conduct daily visual evaluations and provide insights to improve execution and drive performance.
• Ensure every customer experiences the AKIRA styling service-connecting them with stylists when available or stepping in to assist as needed.
• Perform upkeep during visual changes, including cleaning, dusting, lighting adjustments, and rack maintenance.
• Support store operations, including processing shipments when present and assuming leadership responsibilities when needed.
• Lead by example-contributing to selling, cleaning, performance feedback, and team support with a hands-on, ownership mentality.

What We're Looking For

• A trend-obsessed, fashion-forward mindset with strong awareness of what's happening in style, pop culture, and retail.
• Ability to style and curate for diverse aesthetics, body types, and personal expressions.
• High-energy, solutions-driven work ethic with the ability to execute independently and thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Strong organizational agility, time management skills, and clear, effective communication.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stay active throughout shifts in a dynamic retail setting.
• Flexible availability, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and peak retail holidays.
• Ability to own priorities, influence teammates, and activate others in delivering a cohesive visual execution.

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.