Retail Visual Merchandiser

Tender Loving Empire (TLE) was created for people who seek inspiration and positive change; for people who believe that art, music, creativity and human connections simply make life better. Since 2006, TLE has been a part of the Portland creative community with a mission to empower and support creatives, enrich and fulfill employees, and delight and inspire patrons. We focus on selling locally-made goods and carry the work of makers from around the country, showcasing independently-owned businesses with values that align with ours.

About the role

The Retail Visual Merchandiser will help bring our mission and values to life at our 7 retail stores. This role shapes how customers experience our stores—presenting products, celebrating makers and their stories, and driving store performance. You’ll partner with retail teams, combining a strong visual eye with a strategic approach to merchandising.

Responsibilities

• Stay informed on incoming products and launches, developing creative merchandising strategies that support visibility, storytelling, and sales.
• Develop and execute seasonal and promotional floor displays, collaborating with the Brand Strategy Team to align with brand standards and drive customer engagement.
• Assist in seasonal window displays, including craft projects, window painting, display builds, and vinyl installations; manage product placement in windows.
• Maintain consistent merchandising standards across all locations using the Merchandising Guide; regularly update the guide to reflect best practices.
• Analyze sales trends and customer feedback to identify merchandising opportunities; implement solutions to improve presentation, experience, and sales.
• Translate feedback from leadership into actionable merchandising plans and oversee execution.
• Partner with Retail Managers to organize backstock and stockrooms for efficient restocking and safe workspaces.
• Communicate merchandising updates and expectations to store teams to ensure consistent execution.
• Support store teams with product questions, including damages, markdowns, inventory issues, and missing product.
• Assist with inventory movements, transfers, and liquidations to support merchandising and operational needs.
• Ensure stores and HQ have effective merchandising fixtures, props, and display materials that enhance the customer experience.
• Consult on signage needs and placement to improve customer experience and communicate product information.
• Provide customer service and retail floor coverage as needed, including covering shifts to support store operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent education.
• Minimum two years in specialty retail and/or customer service.
• Minimum one year in a visual merchandising role.
• Ability to work full-time across all TLE locations, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong communication skills for customer and team interactions.
• Inspirational attitude and ability to create a motivating environment.
• Effective at training others and presenting information in one-on-one or small group settings.
• Comfortable using basic tools to maintain store displays and fixtures.
• Proficiency with Slack for communication.
• Ability to follow written, oral, or diagrammed instructions and analyze sales reports to adjust strategy.
• Self-motivated with strong time management and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Vacation time accrual, eligible after 90 days.
• 40 hours of front-loaded sick time per year, eligible after 90 days.
• 9 observed holidays.
• Generous employee discount.
• Occasional show or event tickets.
• 401k with up to 2% company match after one year.
• Health and dental benefits for full-time employees.
• Work with a kind, hard-working, fun-loving, and talented team.