Visual Merchandiser - Global Performance Athletic Brand

Winston Retail; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Paid online training

Wellness benefits

Opportunities for advancement

Job summary

Winston Retail seeks a meticulous Visual Merchandiser to translate brand vision into compelling in-store experiences in Chicago area stores. This freelance role focuses on implementing global guidelines, seasonal launches, and product storytelling while driving store performance.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong visual storytelling, understands how merchandising drives sales, and can collaborate across teams to adapt guidelines to local formats. A portfolio is preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong visual storytelling translating brand identity to in-store experiences.
• Understand how merchandising drives sales and supports launches.
• Collaborate across teams and adapt guidelines to local formats.
• Stay ahead of fashion, sport, and lifestyle trends.
• Maintain premium visual standards in styling and signage.
• Portfolio demonstrating relevant work is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute and maintain visual standards using global VM guidelines and seasonal launches.
• Optimize store presentation to improve customer flow and sell-through.
• Communicate merchandising priorities to store leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Work with cross-functional teams across diverse store environments.
• Manage monthly scheduling to meet deadlines for visits and deliverables.
• Submit store visit reports with photos and feedback via Winston App.

Skills

Visual storytelling

Brand awareness

Collaboration

Adaptive merchandising

Attention to detail

Portfolio preferred

Job description

Job Title: Visual Merchandiser – Global Performance Athletic Brand

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Freelance

Pay: $20-$22 per hour (rate based on market and relevant experience)

Expected Hours: Varies, Project-Based

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Visual Merchandiser (VM) to bring our global activewear brand to life in the retail environment. In this role, you will translate brand vision, product storytelling, and seasonal direction into compelling in-store visual experiences that engage consumers and drive performance.

Responsibilities

• Execute and maintain visual standards by consistently implementing global VM guidelines, seasonal launches, and product storytelling across stores while upholding a high level of visual quality
• Optimize store presentation to drive performance by continuously assessing and refreshing layouts, mannequins, and product displays to improve customer flow, engagement, and sell-through
• Partner effectively with store leadership and cross-functional teams to communicate merchandising priorities, requirements, and execution standards
• Operate with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams across diverse store environments
• Manage monthly scheduling to ensure store visits and merchandising deliverables are completed by assigned deadlines, demonstrating strong time management and accountability
• Submit store visit reports, including taking before and after photos and writing feedback, using our Winston App on a smart device
  • iOS: Use an iPhone 11 or higher
  • Android: Use a 2020 or newer device with an OS no more than four versions behind the latest
• Ability to liftup to 25 pounds and stand for theentire shift
• Schedule: Monday-Friday (no weekends)

Experience & Skills

• Strong visual storytelling, with the ability to translate brand identity, product stories, and campaigns into compelling in-store visual experiences that resonate both globally and locally
• Commercial and brand awareness, with a clear understanding of how visual merchandising drives sales, supports product priorities and seasonal launches, and consistently reflects global brand standards
• Collaboration and adaptability, with the ability to work effectively across teams and adapt global guidelines to local store formats, consumer behaviors, and regional insights
• Ability to stay ahead of fashion, sport, and lifestyle trends and apply consumer insights to keep store presentations relevant, aspirational, and competitive
• Strong eye for detail to ensure flawless execution, from styling and spacing to signage and fixtures, while consistently maintaining premium visual standards
• A portfolio demonstrating relevant visual merchandising work is preferred

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate
• Paid online training
• Wellness benefits
• Opportunities for advancement

At Winston, we are ALL IN!

At Winston, we celebrate our diverse talent and unique skill sets, embracing change to grow stronger together. Our goal is to ensure every member of the Winston community feels valued, respected, and heard daily, including our applicants. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also uphold fair employment practices concerning citizenship and immigration status.

Please visit our site to learn more about who we are and what we do! https://www.winstonretail.com