Visual Merchandise Manager

FDE LLC, d/b/a Ashley Northeast; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Factory Direct Enterprises LLC (FDE) is seeking a Visual Merchandise Manager to drive corporate visual merchandising strategies across stores and deliver an outstanding guest experience. You will oversee presentation, operations, and team engagement to achieve business goals.

The role requires strong product knowledge, effective communication, and the ability to lift the standards of visual displays while collaborating with regional and marketing teams.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in retail management, visual merchandising, graphic design, interior design, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in retail visual merchandising or design (furniture retail preferred).
• Strong knowledge of corporate visual merchandising directives and store operations.

Responsibilities

• Engage guests with enthusiasm, professionalism, and in-depth product knowledge.
• Organize and conduct store meetings with effective communication and clear action steps.
• Implement all corporate visual merchandising directives and strategies.
• Lead assortment walkthroughs, analyze sales data, and follow up with actions to optimize store assortments.
• Ensure proper signage and presentation of all displays, fixtures, and collections.
• Maintain showroom and warehouse cleanliness and organization.
• Coordinate facility maintenance, upgrades, and repairs to enhance the guest experience.

Skills

Guest engagement

Effective communication

Team leadership

Merchandising knowledge

Training & development

Education

BA/BS in retail management, visual merchandising, graphic design, interior design, marketing, or related field

Equivalent experience

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Factory Direct Enterprises LLC (FDE) proudly represents Ashley, the #1 selling furniture brand in the world and the leading retailer of furniture and bedding in the United States. We are committed to "Amazing" our Team Members by supporting their journey toward becoming their best selves through competitive pay, benefits, a strong culture, and growth opportunities. Join a team honored by Furniture Today as one of the Best Places to Work in Furniture for 2025.

Who We Are

• #1 Selling Furniture Brand in the World
• #1 Retailer of Furniture and Bedding in the United States

Our Culture & Team Member Programs

At FDE, we pride ourselves on a culture of recognition and growth. We invest in our team and value feedback through programs like Employee Surveys.

Our Ashley Cares programs highlight our commitment to our team, guests, and communities:

• Hope to Dream: For every mattress sold, a portion of proceeds is used to purchase and donate beds to children in need (ages 3-16)
• Give a Day: Paid volunteer day annually with an approved organization
• Corporate Chaplains: Support for grief care, hospital visits, marriage/parenting, aging parents, and stress management
• Life Resources: Quarterly events supporting finances, relationships, health, and wellness
• Team Member Relief Fund: Financial assistance for unexpected life events
• SmartDollar: FREE financial wellness program for budgeting, debt reduction, and saving

Position Overview

The Visual Merchandise Manager is responsible for executing corporate visual merchandising strategies, achieving business goals, and fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment that drives results and delivers amazing guest experiences. The VMM may oversee multiple store locations and is accountable for visual presentation, operational excellence, employee engagement, and ensuring that every guest interaction is memorable.

Essential Functions

• Engage guests with enthusiasm, professionalism, and in-depth product knowledge
• Organize and conduct store meetings with effective communication and clear action steps
• Implement all corporate visual merchandising directives and strategies
• Lead assortment walkthroughs, analyze sales data, and follow up with actions to optimize store assortments
• Ensure proper signage and presentation of all displays, fixtures, and collections
• Maintain showroom and warehouse cleanliness and organization
• Coordinate facility maintenance, upgrades, and repairs to enhance the guest experience

Operations

• Maintain high peer-to-peer accountability and ensure compliance with all visual, operational, guest experience, finance, delivery, and payroll processes
• Improve processes and eliminate waste, leading and conducting biannual inventories with the Store Operations Team
• Maintain effective communication with corporate office, property management, and store teams
• Proficient in company software, including Word and Excel
• Support the sales team by following store operating procedures
• Coach team members to deliver exceptional guest experiences and share product knowledge
• Collaborate with Regional and Marketing teams to maximize special events such as VIP nights and Grand Openings

Customer Service

• Ensure all team members follow standard operating procedures for guest experience
• Resolve pending guest situations quickly and effectively with collaborative communication
• Coordinate facility maintenance and repairs to maintain high store standards

Human Capital

• Onboard and train team members to align with company values and performance standards
• Deliver performance appraisals, identify strengths, and place team members in roles suited to their skills
• Address conflict constructively and privately to build stronger working relationships
• Drive engagement through team member benefits, recognition programs, and celebrations
• Participate in manager and cross-training programs to support leadership growth

The VMM may occasionally perform hands-on duties such as unloading trailers or merchandising as needed. Must be able to lift, lower, push, or pull furniture over 100 lbs and stand for extended periods.

• Full-time: Minimum 40 hours per week
• Additional hours during market events, holidays, peak seasons, and for vacation coverage
• 25-50% travel within the region to support multiple store locations

Education & Experience Requirements

• BA or BS in retail management, visual merchandising, graphic design, interior design, marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 5 years of experience in retail visual merchandising or design (furniture retail preferred)