Visual Merchandiser

Harper Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Harper Group is seeking an experienced Freelance Visual Merchandiser for on-site work in New York, NY. The senior role focuses on the design and execution of engaging gift and accessory displays for tradeshows and retail environments, driving brand presentation and sales.

The ideal candidate has 10–15+ years of visual merchandising experience, strong independent thinking, and a passion for storytelling through immersive displays.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of visual merchandising experience in gifts/accessories/lifestyle retail.
• Independent thinker who can own execution with minimal oversight.
• Excellent aesthetic sense with strong display principles and consumer psychology.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Willingness to lift heavy displays and work on-site during setup.

Responsibilities

• Design & Execution
• Implement visually compelling displays reflecting brand identity and maximize sales.
• Utilize lighting, props, signage, fixtures, and layouts to enhance customer experience and guide purchasing.
• Maintain visual standards across installations.
• Strategic Merchandising
• Execute merchandising aligned with seasonal campaigns and business goals.
• Stay current with retail design trends in gifts, accessories, and lifestyle merchandising.

Skills

Independent thinker

Aesthetic sensibility

Communication & collaboration

Visual storytelling

Gifts/accessories retail knowledge

Tools

Power tools

Hand tools

Ladders

Job description

Location: New York, NY
Position Type: Freelance / Contract
Industry: Gift, Accessory & Specialty Retail
Experience Level: Senior (10–15+ years)

About the Role

We areseekingan experienced, creative, and highly independent Freelance Visual Merchandiser with deep expertise in the gift and accessory merchandising space. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who can take ownership of execution at tradeshows, drive engagement through compelling presentation, and elevate brand experience. Local candidates only - on-site presence and brand familiarity are essential.

Upcoming Project Dates:

• Set-Up:
  January 30: 5PM – 10PM
  January 31 – February 2: 8:30AM – 9PM
  
• Tear Down:
  February 5; 4:45PM – 10PM
  February 6: 8AM – 6PM

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Execution
• Implement visually compelling displays(product groupings, seasonal themes)whichreflect brand identity and maximize sales.
• Utilize lighting, props, signage, fixtures, and layout strategies to enhancethe customerexperience and guidepurchasingbehavior.
• Maintain visual standards consistently across installations.
• Strategic Merchandising
• Executemerchandising aligned with seasonalcampaigns and business goals.
• Stay current with retail design trends and consumer preferences in gifts,accessoriesand lifestyle merchandising.

Required Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of proven visual merchandising experience, ideally within the gift, accessory, lifestyle, or specialty retail sectors.
• Strong independent thinker capable of owning execution with minimal oversight.
• Exceptional aesthetic sensibility, attention to detail, and an advanced understanding of display principles and consumer psychology.
• Excellent communicationandcollaboration.
• Comfortable working on-siteduring pre-show set-upupdates; ability to liftat least50lbs/ move display componentsandprocessinventorywhen necessary.
• Has theknowledgein usingpower tools,hand tools, andcomfortablewithusingladders.
• Extendedstanding,physicalaspects of the job (heavylifting at time)
• Portfoliodemonstratingpast work in visual merchandising, especially within gift/accessory displays preferred.

WhatWe’reLooking For

We want someone who:

• Thinks creatively and strategicallyin a fast-paced environment
• Makes decisions with confidence.
• Has a deep passion for visual storytelling and an eye for compellingwholesale/tradeshowpresentations.

Hourly

$35 - $40 USD