Retail Category Merchandiser

Blick Art Materials•Highland Park, IL

6d•$60,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Retail Category Merchandiser manages retail product assortments across multiple product categories and store models. Working closely with Product Management, Purchasing, Retail Marketing, and store leadership, the role supports assortment strategy, planogram and reset execution, inventory management, and visual merchandising standards. The Merchandiser analyzes sales trends to identify category- and SKU-level growth opportunities, supports new store openings and product rollouts on-site, and conducts store audits to ensure consistent execution. The role calls for strong attention to detail and the ability to balance creative merchandising with analytical work. The position must be performed on-site in Highland Park every Monday and Thursday. The pay range is $60,000–$65,000 per year, based on experience, plus incentives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 2 years of brick-and-mortar retail experience.
Experience in assistant buying, corporate merchandising, or planning.
In-store merchandising experience, including product resets, clearance processes, and visual merchandising.
Experience with merchandising systems and reporting tools.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and formulas; candidates still developing these skills must demonstrate the ability to learn quickly.
Proficiency in PowerPoint and Outlook.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Strong analytical mindset and interest in reporting, data analysis, and retail math.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively across teams and departments.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
Solid understanding of retail store operations and store leadership environments.
Ability to adapt in a fast-paced retail environment and shift priorities as business needs change.
Flexibility to support key retail initiatives, including travel, overnight or weekend work.
Ability to stand for extended periods during store resets and new store openings.
Must be on-site in Highland Park every Monday and Thursday.
Genuine passion for merchandising and buying.
High level of professionalism, strong work ethic, and a positive, team-oriented attitude.

Responsibilities

Partner with Product Managers, the Merchandising Director, and the Merchandising Manager to select products and determine assortments for different store models.
Develop and execute product assortment changes, including discontinuations, new products, rack changes, and changes to merchandising locations.
Monitor stock levels and bestseller and slow-moving item performance to prevent stockouts while minimizing inventory investment.
Coordinate with Purchasing on reorders and timely removal of products from stores.
Create and maintain planograms using space-planning software, and implement corporate planograms, floor plans, and reset strategies to optimize shelf space and product placement.
Maintain visual merchandising standards through color and subcategory coordination, fixture placement, and displays.
Coordinate with District and Store Managers to meet merchandise needs and communicate assortment changes.
Partner with buyers, suppliers, and logistics teams to align inventory flow with store capacity and launch dates.
Partner with Retail Marketing on in-store signage and product marketing initiatives.
Use Datawarehouse reporting and Excel to create and maintain sales reports that support decision-making.
Analyze sales trends, revenue reports, and market research to identify growth opportunities and recommend display changes, promotions, or line reviews.
Provide sales summaries to the Merchandising Director and Retail Merchandise Manager as needed.
Provide on-site support for new store planning and setup, merchandise planning, and product rollouts.
Conduct store audits, submit digital visit reports with before-and-after photos, and track compliance using retail execution apps.