Visual Merchandiser New New York, NY

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

Job summary

Harper Group in New York, NY is seeking an experienced Freelance Visual Merchandiser to own execution of displays for trade shows and seasonal presentations on-site, reflecting brand identity and driving sales. This senior role requires 10–15+ years in visual merchandising, independent work style, strong aesthetic sense, and ability to lift 50 lbs.

Set-up and tear-down occur Jan 30–Feb 6. Local candidates only, with brand familiarity and comfort working within fast-paced retail environments

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of proven visual merchandising experience in gifts, accessories, or lifestyle retail.
• Strong independent thinker with ability to own execution with minimal oversight.
• Exceptional aesthetic sensibility and understanding of display principles.

Responsibilities

• Design & Execution of visually compelling displays for tradeshows and seasonal campaigns.
• Utilize lighting, props, signage, fixtures, and layout strategies to enhance customer experience.
• Maintain visual standards across installations and reflect brand identity.

Skills

Visual merchandising

Independent worker

Attention to detail

Communication

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