Merchandising Specialist

Merchandising Specialist

The Merchandising & Brand Specialist at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, is responsible for executing category-specific merchandising strategies, maintaining brand standards, and supporting visual presentation across assigned product categories. This role ensures consistent implementation of corporate merchandising directives, assists with promotional execution, and provides category expertise to enhance the customer experience and drive sales performance.

Opportunity, growth, and meaningful rewards! We offer:

• Competitive salary of: $22.51 - $25.01 an hour
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off (vacation, flex or sick)
• Holiday pay
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Company paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee discounts across all company brands
• Employee assistance program
• Training and exciting career growth opportunities
• Referral program refer a friend and earn a bonus

Key responsibilities:

• Implement daily merchandising tasks including product placement, planogram compliance, and visual updates for assigned categories in alignment with brand and corporate standards.
• Conduct regular category inspections to ensure proper stock levels, accurate pricing, and adherence to brand guidelines; report discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist with setup of promotional displays, seasonal transitions, and new product launches; ensure timely execution of merchandising directives.
• Provide basic product knowledge and assist customers with inquiries; support sales goals through active engagement and product demonstrations.
• Support category-specific receiving activities including product placement, price verification, and inventory accuracy; process related documentation and communicate issues to management.
• Maintain proficiency in inventory management systems; update product information and assist with category performance reporting as directed by the Category Manager.
• Assist in onboarding and training new associates on category-specific procedures, product knowledge, and brand standards.
• Ensure compliance with operational and safety standards for product handling, storage, and merchandising execution.
• Partner with Category Manager and store leadership to support category assessments, inventory counts, and promotional execution; provide feedback on execution challenges and customer response.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• 3+ years combined experience in merchandising, category management, or retail operations with a focus on brand compliance and visual presentation.
• 2+ years in a specialist role managing category-specific merchandising tasks.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field preferred (may count toward experience requirement).

Technical Skills:

• Knowledge of visual merchandising principles, planogram execution, and retail display standards.
• Familiarity with inventory management systems and retail reporting tools.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Visual Merchandising Certification or related training preferred.

Competencies:

• Attention to Detail Maintains consistent product presentation and identifies execution gaps.
• Time Management & Organization Prioritizes multiple tasks and meets deadlines in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Customer Service Orientation Engages customers with product knowledge and supports sales initiatives.
• Collaboration & Communication Works effectively with team members and provides clear feedback to management.
• Adaptability Responds quickly to changing priorities, seasonal resets, and promotional requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods.
• Lift/carry up to 30 lbs regularly; frequent bending, reaching, and ladder use.

Work Environment:

• Retail store and back-of-house environments with varying temperature and noise levels.

Schedule & Reporting:

• Reports to: Category Manager or designated supervisor.
• Classification: Non-Exempt (FLSA).
• Schedule: Flexible availability required, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak sales periods and promotional events.

Avalta, including Dufry, HMSHost Corporation, Hudson, and affiliates ("the Company"), is an equal opportunity employer. It is the Company's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment and to comply with anti-discrimination laws and regulations. The Company prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and provides equal opportunities to applicants and team members without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, age, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions and lactation), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, national origin, disability, military service and veteran status, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances (referred to as "protected characteristics")