What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visual Merchandising Specialist position at Powell's Books Inc?
Powell's Books is seeking to hire a Visual Merchandising Specialist at our Burnside location.
This position will focus on merchandising gifts, the non-book items carried in the store.
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 with the goal of elevating customer experience and engagement. The VMS must demonstrate a balance between creativity and analytical merchandising, ensuring that presentation standards support business objectives while maintaining flexibility in response to evolving customer needs.
Powell’s Books is known worldwide as a premier independent bookstore and an icon in the Portland community. We’re committed to fostering a culture and environment of inclusion, empowerment, and respect – a place where everyone can show up fully as themselves and do their best work every day.
All regular full-time employees enjoy benefits including:
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
Pay: $19.25 per hour, or more, depending on experience.
Schedule: The schedule is to be determined, but will include Saturday and Sunday. Shifts will be from 7am - 3pm, except Sunday, which will be 8am - 4pm
Closing Date: Thursday, November 12th, 2026
Additional 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.
Position Title: Visual Merchandising Specialist
Location: All Stores
Group: D
Date: 8/2026
Position Summary:
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. This role will have an assigned focus - which may be books, gifts, or a combination - subject to change based on business needs. The customer-first mentality is the guiding principle of all merchandising efforts, ensuring that displays are not only visually engaging but also enhance the shopping experience and drive sales. The VMS must demonstrate a balance between creativity and analytical merchandising, ensuring that presentation standards support business objectives while maintaining flexibility in response to evolving customer needs. Reports to Burnside Visual Merchandising Manager or Visual Merchandising Manager.
Essential Functions:
- 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 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 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.
Requirements / 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.
Salary : $19