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; for people who want to live wholehearted. TLE has been a part of the Portland creative community since 2006 with a mission to empower and support creatives, enrich and fulfill employees, and delight and inspire patrons. We have a strong focus on selling locally-made goods, and are proud to carry the work of makers from around the country as well. Our goal is to showcase the work of independently-owned businesses and makers with values that align with ours.

We are looking for a Retail Visual Merchandiser to help bring our mission and values to life at our 7 retail stores. We’re looking for someone who is creative, highly organized, and passionate about creating beautiful, thoughtful spaces that make people want to explore, discover, and connect. This person will have a direct impact on how customers experience our stores—shaping the way products are presented, how our makers and their stories are celebrated, and ultimately how our stores perform. They’ll be a hands-on partner to our retail teams, bringing both a strong visual eye and a strategic approach to merchandising.

We'd love to hear from people with:

1. Ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak English.
2. Strong communication skills for interactions with customers and retail team.
3. Inspirational attitude and ability to create a motivating environment.
4. Ability to train others effectively.
5. Ability to effectively present information one-on-one and in small group situations to customers, vendors, and other employees of the organization. 
6. Ability and comfortability using basic tools to uphold the integrity and beauty of our stores, displays, and fixtures.
7. Ability to use and communicate effectively on Slack.
8. Ability to use common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
9. Ability to analyze sales reports and adjust strategy accordingly.
10. Able to stay motivated and work with minimal supervision.
11. Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast paced environment. 
12. Strong time management skills.

Requirements:

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent education.
• Minimum two years in a specialty retail and/or customer service role.
• Minimum one year in a visual merchandising role.
• Ability to work full time across all TLE locations including variable hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends and/ or holidays.

Benefits + Perks

• Vacation time accrual, eligible for use after 90 days of employment
• Front loaded sick time, 40 hours per year, eligible for use after 90 days of employment
• 9 Observed Holidays
• Generous employee discount
• Occasional show or event tickets
• 401k w/ up to 2% company match at 1 year of employment
• Benefits for Full Time Employees (health + dental) 
• Working with a group of kind, hard-working, fun-loving, value-driven, talented humans

Job Summary

The Merchandising Specialist is responsible for the execution of product merchandising across our stores, ensuring displays consistently meet Tender Loving Empire’s brand and visual standards. This role creates visually compelling product presentations that drive sales, guide customers through a cohesive and engaging shopping experience, and support the storytelling of our brand, products, and makers.

Essential Duties

1. Stays informed on incoming products and product launches, developing creative and effective merchandising strategies that support product visibility, storytelling, and sales.
2. Develops and executes seasonal and promotional floor displays, working closely with the Brand Strategy Team to ensure alignment with brand standards and drive customer engagement and sales.
3. Assists in the execution of seasonal window displays - including craft projects, window painting, display builds, vinyl installations, etc. Is responsible for product placement in the windows.
4. Maintains consistent merchandising standards across all retail locations, using the Merchandising Guide and in-person instruction as a framework; regularly reviews and updates the guide to reflect evolving best practices and brand standards.
5. Proactively identifies merchandising opportunities within each retail location by analyzing sales trends and incorporating customer experience feedback from store managers, then develops and implements solutions to improve presentation, customer experience, and sales performance.
6. Translates feedback and strategic direction from the Retail District Manager, Director of Operations, and Brand Strategy Team into actionable merchandising plans, overseeing execution through completion.

Additional Job Duties

1. Partners with Retail Managers to maintain organized backstock and stockrooms, ensuring products can be efficiently restocked while maintaining a safe and functional workspace.
2. Communicates merchandising updates, expectations, and changes to store teams through appropriate channels, ensuring alignment and consistent execution.
3. Supports store teams with product questions and issue resolution, including damages, markdowns, negative inventory, and missing product.
4. Assists with inventory movements, transfers, and liquidations as needed to support merchandising strategy and operational needs.
5. Ensures stores and HQ have effective merchandising fixtures, props, and display materials that support sales, enhance the customer experience, and meet brand standards.
6. Consults on signage needs and placement to improve the customer experience, communicate product information, and support sales.
7. Provides customer service support as needed while working on the sales floor, contributing to a welcoming and engaging customer experience.
8. Provides retail floor coverage as needed, including covering shifts to support store operations and staffing needs.

This is a full-time position with a starting wage of $20 per hour.