Merchandising Assistant, Direct

Blick Art Materials•Highland Park, IL

1d•$50,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Team Merchandising Assistant is a key support resource for the Category Management team and Director of Merchandising, assisting with all aspects of buying, merchandising, vendor, and category initiatives. This includes maintaining SKU-level accuracy across all selling channels, supporting buying decisions and sales analysis, and ensuring the successful execution of merchandising initiatives. The Merchandising Assistant will play a key role in maintaining our team’s standards and supporting our team, jumping in on strategic projects whenever needed. This role offers hands-on experience with buying, analytics, SKU maintenance, product implementation, and cross-functional teams, providing a strong foundation for a career in merchandising or buying. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and brings retail leadership experience, creativity, and a passion for art materials.

Requirements

Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Strong analytical mindset, including interest in reporting, data analysis, and retail math to support merchandising decisions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas) and PowerPoint. If not yet proficient, must be willing and able to learn quickly.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and departments.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, with the capacity to think both creatively and analytically.
Solid understanding of retail store operations and store leadership environments.
Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced retail environment and shift priorities as business needs evolve.
Demonstrates a high level of professionalism, work ethic, and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
Flexibility to support key retail initiatives, including occasional travel, overnight work, or weekend schedules, and standing for long periods during store resets or new store openings.
Minimum 2+ years in retail leadership; Blick retail experience preferred or comparable retail experience.
Experience merchandising in stores, including product resets, clearance processes, and visual merchandising.
Proficiency with merchandising systems, reporting tools, Microsoft Excel, and Outlook
Must be interested in merchandising and buying.
Interest in or knowledge of the arts, art education, or art materials is a MUST
Required to be in Highland Park on Mondays and Thursdays each week.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preffered.
Blick retail experience preferred or comparable retail experience.

Responsibilities

Support all merchandising and buying functions, ensuring accurate assortment, sales growth, and effective execution of initiatives.
Assist Director of Merchandising in maintaining and cleaning merchandise data.
Provide reporting, analytics, and executive presentations as needed.
Assist with product implementation and promotions, including vendor follow-up, copy and pricing approvals, and content accuracy across web, print, and retail channels.
When needed coordinate, request and save vendor product images for web and catalogue
Ensure vendor compliance with quality, packaging, labeling, and regulatory standards (MSDS/SDS, CPSIA).
Assist in resolving internal and external product inquiries, including pricing, quality, or supply issues.
Monitor back orders, product reviews, and merchandising standards to maintain accuracy and consistency.
Provide general support for special projects, cross-functional initiatives, and category management tasks, including backup support for the Category Managers.
Create Product Set Up cards as needed, and work with web teams on any direct initiatives.
Assist onsite during store setups, resets, or merchandising projects as needed.
Collaborate with Purchasing, Marketing, Customer Service, and Stores to ensure smooth communication and execution of merchandising strategies.