Visual Merchandising Specialist

**Role Overview**:
The Visual Merchandising Specialist plays a key role in creating exciting and visually appealing and engaging displays that enhance the customer shopping experience and drive sales. Working closely with the marketing and store teams, the Visual Merchandising specialist is responsible for ensuring that the store layout, product presentation, and in-store displays are aligned with brand guidelines, seasonal trends, and promotional strategies. This role is based in the Toronto Head Office and will balance time between the office and local retail locations. Occasional travel outside the GTA may be required for store visits or store openings. Work may include evenings, weekends, or holiday shifts during peak retail periods.

**Key Job Accountabilities**:
Retail Support
- Prepare clear and concise VM communication materials and directives for stores which support consistent execution and activation across all retail locations.
- Allocate materials, displays, and other componentry to stores in partnership with the Retail Operations teams.
- Undertake regular store visits to support best practice and continuous development from our own stores and understanding of key competitors
- Coach and train store teams to execute the VM direction flawlessly, embedding an ongoing program of training for store managers and their teams to ensure consistency across all locations.
- Work closely with the Retail Business Manager and District Sales & Talent Managers (DSTMs) to understand customer preferences and sales trends to improve display effectiveness.
- Work closely with the retail operations team to plan VM for new store openings.
- Test and trial new VM approaches as required.

Store Layout & Brand Representation
- Plan and execute seasonal and promotional in-store displays that showcase products effectively and reflect current trends.
- Ensure that all visual merchandising strategies are aligned with the brand’s business goals.
- Set up displays in a creative and visually compelling way that enhances product visibility and drives customer engagement and sales.
- Optimize product placement to ensure products are easily accessible and displayed according to sales priorities.
- Maintain a high standard of visual presentation in the store, adhering to company sales targets.
- Ensure the overall aesthetic of the store is cohesive and reflects the brand’s identity.
- Update visual displays regularly to reflect promotions, campaigns, or new products.
- Regularly review the product mix and adjust based on sales performance, promotions, and inventory levels.
- Analyse sales reporting to make informed decisions and develop action plans regarding product placement and displays.
- Collaborate with the Commercial and Operations teams to highlight new arrivals, seasonal products, and exclusive collections.
- Visit stores with Head Office leadership to showcase VM efforts and provide and receive constructive feedback.

**Skills/Competencies**
- Current or previous experience in visual merchandising or retail with a strong understanding of store layout and customer behavior.
- Understanding of customer behaviour in the beauty industry.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to recognize issues and identify solutions
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with different teams.
- Strong presentation skills using PowerPoint.
- Proficiency using Adobe Illustrator, or similar design software.
- Physical demands of the position require the ability to lift, push, pull and move displays, products, and materials up to 25Lbs.