Role overview

Powell's Books is seeking a Visual Merchandising Specialist for our Burnside location. This role will focus on merchandising gifts and other non-book items. The Visual Merchandising Specialist (VMS) is responsible for executing merchandising strategies, creating compelling displays, and maintaining a premium shopping environment that aligns with Powell’s brand standards. The goal is to elevate customer experience and engagement.

The VMS must balance creativity with analytical merchandising, ensuring that presentation standards support business objectives while remaining flexible to evolving customer needs. Powell’s Books is a premier independent bookstore and an icon in the Portland community, committed to fostering an inclusive, empowering, and respectful environment.

Reports to

Burnside Visual Merchandising Manager or Visual Merchandising Manager.

Responsibilities

Executes seasonal merchandising strategies and floor-sets in alignment with corporate objectives.
Implements and adapts planograms based on sell-through trends, ensuring displays remain relevant and sales-driven.
Sets, audits, and refreshes displays regularly to maintain visually compelling store presentation in assigned zones, adhering to Powell’s brand and merchandising standards.
Works closely with their manager to execute product placement and signage updates.
Understands and models Powell’s highest customer service standards, proactively engages with customers, shares product knowledge, and integrates customer feedback into merchandising decisions.
Analyzes sell-through data to inform merchandising choices and prioritization.
Partners with Buying Teams to provide feedback on display effectiveness and potential merchandising opportunities.
Works closely with the Merchandising Department and Store Leadership to align merchandising efforts with promotional campaigns and store events.
Communicates regularly with product purchasing leadership to ensure visual goals align with company strategies.
Encourages and facilitates team participation in themed and in-section displays.
Trains and mentors generalists and team members on merchandising standards and the application of best practices.
Works collaboratively with store management to direct workflow, adjusting priorities to meet store and customer needs.
Provides coaching and feedback to the staff during all shifts and assignments, ensuring high-quality execution of displays and adherence to merchandising standards.
Takes initiative in identifying inefficiencies and proposes solutions to enhance the merchandising process.
Participates in corporate projects, cross-functional meetings, and new initiatives, serving as a key voice in improving merchandising strategies.
Demonstrates leadership in implementing new systems and procedures that support Powell’s strategic goals.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Proven experience in merchandising, display coordination, or a related retail function.
Ability to balance creative display techniques with data-driven decisions.
Excellent customer service skills.
Demonstrated leadership, training, and mentoring experience.
Proficiency in inventory management and merchandising software/tools (preferred).
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Superior initiative, follow-through, and accountability.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Love of books and reading.

Physical Requirements

Group U.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay: $19.25 per hour, or more, depending on experience.
Generous healthcare plan (medical, vision, and dental).
401(k) savings plan.
Education benefit.
Childcare subsidy.
Substantial employee discount that is also available to your significant other, children, parents, and siblings.
Book borrowing privileges.

Schedule

The schedule is to be determined, but will include shifts from 7am - 3pm, and at least one weekend day.

Application Information

Please include a cover letter with a brief description of relevant skills and experience and the reason why you’re interested in the position.
Closing Date: Tuesday, September 1st, 2026

Visual Merchandising Specialist

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Job Description