Retail Category Merchandiser

Your Role

The Retail Category Merchandiser is responsible for managing retail product assortments across multiple product categories and store models. Partnering closely with Product Management, Purchasing, Retail Marketing, and store leadership, this role drives assortment strategy, planogram and reset execution, inventory management, and visual merchandising standards.

The Merchandiser analyzes sales trends to uncover growth opportunities at the category and SKU levels, supports new store openings and product rollouts on-site, and conducts store audits to ensure consistent execution. The ideal candidate brings exceptional attention to detail and the ability to balance creative vision with analytical rigor to drive category growth.

Responsibilities

Partner with Product Managers and the Merchandising Director and Manager to select products and determine optimal product assortments for our various store models. Develop and execute strategies for all aspects of retail product assortment changes, including discontinued products, new products, rack changes, and merchandising location changes.

Monitor stock levels and track bestsellers and slow-moving lines to prevent stockouts while minimizing inventory investment on new and existing stock. Collaborate with Purchasing teams to coordinate reorders and ensure products are ordered appropriately and removed from stores in a timely manner. Create and maintain planograms (POGs) using space planning software, and implement corporate planograms, floor plans, and reset strategies to optimize shelf space and product placement.

Uphold visual merchandising standards through color and subcategory coordination, fixture placement, and displays. Coordinate with District and Store Managers to meet store merchandise needs and communicate assortment changes clearly and effectively. Partner with buyers, suppliers, and logistics teams to align inventory flow with store capacities and launch dates.

Partner with Retail Marketing on in-store signage and product marketing initiatives. Use Datawarehouse reporting and Excel (pivot tables, filters, and macros) to create and maintain sales reports that support decision-making. Regularly analyze sales trends, revenue reports, and market research to identify growth opportunities at both the category and SKU levels, adjusting product displays, introducing promotions, or recommending line reviews as needed.

Provide sales summaries to the Merchandising Director and Retail Merchandise Manager as needed. Provide on-site support for new store planning and setup, as well as new merchandise planning and rollouts. Conduct store audits, submit digital visit reports (including before-and-after photos), and track compliance using retail execution apps.

Skills: Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. Strong analytical mindset with an interest in reporting, data analysis, and retail math to support merchandising decisions. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and formulas), PowerPoint, and Outlook; candidates still developing these skills must demonstrate the ability to learn quickly.

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and departments. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. Solid understanding of retail store operations and store leadership environments. Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced retail environment and shift priorities as business needs evolve.

Flexibility to support key retail initiatives, including travel, overnight or weekend work, and the ability to stand for extended periods during store resets and new store openings.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum of 2 years of brick-and-mortar retail experience Experience in assistant buying, corporate merchandising, or planning required. In-store merchandising experience, including product resets, clearance processes, and visual merchandising. Experience with merchandising systems and reporting tools.

Genuine passion for merchandising and buying. High level of professionalism, strong work ethic, and a positive, team-oriented attitude. Must be on-site in Highland Park every Monday and Thursday. Pay Rate: The pay range below is provided in compliance with applicable state and local laws. This pay range applies to this location.

Pay ranges may differ in other locations. $60,000–$65,000 per year, based on experience, plus incentives Benefits Include: Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance 401K & Profit Sharing Plan Incentive Bonus Plans Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off Paid Parental Leave Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Training Opportunities Basic & Optional Life Insurance Employee Discount Who We Are...

Founded in 1911, Blick Art Materials is in its third generation of family ownership, and is the largest and oldest provider of art supplies in the United States. Our Mission... At Blick Art Materials, our family owners and dedicated staff support the Visual Art Community by providing the widest selection of art supplies at the lowest prices.

With extraordinary service and integrity, we strive to provide artists, educators, students, and our employees with the tools, assistance, and training they need to grow, innovate, and reach their creative potential.