Director of Visual Merchandising

Blu Dot•Minneapolis, MN

About The Position

The Director of Visual Merchandising is a strategic leader responsible for shaping and elevating Blu Dot's in-store merchandising vision across all retail locations. This role oversees the development, execution, and ongoing optimization of floor sets, store product strategy, brand environments, and visual merchandising standards that drive sales, strengthen brand expression, and create a consistent, inspiring customer experience. You will lead a team of Interior Designers focused on store merchandising, partnering closely with Retail Operations, Demand Planning, Purchasing, Product, Marketing, and Creative. This leader will set long-term merchandising strategies, guide new store conceptualization, align inventory flow with storytelling opportunities, and ensure that every Blu Dot store reflects our design ethos and business goals.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in retail merchandising, visual merchandising, store design, or related fields; multi-store leadership required.
Strong experience developing merchandising strategies that drive sales and enhance customer experience.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage large-scale merchandising initiatives.
Expertise in interpreting product data and inventory insights to inform merchandising decisions.
Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills with the ability to influence across the organization.
Highly organized, process-oriented, and able to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
A strong aesthetic sensibility with the ability to interpret and uphold Blu Dot's design identity.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Ability to lift and move heavy furniture and accessories.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with design and drafting tools (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit) preferred; ability to guide teams using them.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy Develop and own Blu Dot's store merchandising strategy, ensuring alignment with brand, product, and business goals.
Lead visual merchandising to execute high-impact retail experiences.
Partner with Executive Leadership to define long-term retail expansion and in-store experience strategy.
Translate product and business insights into actionable retail merchandising plans.
Merchandising & Floor Set Direction Set the creative and commercial vision for bi-annual floor sets, seasonal storytelling, and product presentations across all stores.
Optimize category presentation and product mix in partnership with Planning, Purchasing, and Product.
Approve final merchandising directives and ensure flawless execution across all regions.
Define and maintain Blu Dot's merchandising and brand standards across all stores.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with Store Operations and Regional Managers to ensure visual execution supports operational realities and customer needs.
Partner with the retail team on spatial planning, store design, new store openings, and remodels.
Align with Marketing and Creative to bring brand campaigns to life in stores.
New Store Development Lead the merchandising vision and execution for all new store openings, including layout direction, product selection, and on-site setup.
Partner with Retail teams on store design, fixtures, and customer experience strategy.
Ensure each new location launches with a strong brand presence and optimized merchandising plan.
Team Development & Leadership Build, mentor, and oversee a growing team of visual and environmental design professionals.
Establish clear processes, workflows, and expectations to improve efficiency and raise standards across all stores.
Foster strong collaboration with retail teams to drive consistent brand execution.
Field Engagement & Store Support Conduct regular store visits to evaluate execution, identify opportunities, and coach teams.
Provide guidance on local merchandising challenges and support special projects, events, and high-profile initiatives.
Ensure merchandising solutions are scalable, sustainable, and aligned with brand identity.