Designer – Visual Merchandising

Overview:

Our client, a leading brand in the retail and athletic apparel industry, is seeking a Designer – Visual Merchandising to join their North American Creative Visual Merchandising and Operations team. This role combines 3D spatial design, retail layout visualization, and 2D graphic execution to create immersive, brand-forward in-store experiences. The Designer will help translate global brand concepts into localized executions across retail and wholesale channels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop 30–40 3D models and storefront mockups for retail and wholesale environments, visualizing how graphics, mannequins, and product displays appear across different regions and store formats.
• Design window displays, top-down layouts, and fixture placements using SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Create quick-turn mockups in Photoshop and Illustrator to visualize concepts for seasonal campaigns and in-store activations.
• Collaborate with project management and cross-functional teams to adapt global toolkits and visual guidelines to regional retail spaces.
• Translate design concepts into print-ready files, ensuring accurate scale, structural feasibility, and adherence to brand standards.
• Review dielines, material specs, and proofs for vendor production; maintain version control and organization of working design files.
• Work on a mix of sketches (?25%) and digital 3D mockups (?75%).
• Manage multiple priorities and rounds of creative feedback in a fast-paced, retail-driven environment.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in visual merchandising, retail, or environmental design within the apparel, footwear, or consumer goods industry.
• Proficiency in SketchUp (required) for spatial visualization, fixture design, and 3D layout creation.

Advanced knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for graphic layout, compositing, and signage development.

• Solid understanding of materials, scale, and spatial flow within physical retail spaces.
• Experience preparing vendor-ready design packages (including dielines, 3D specifications, and proofing).
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with creative, production, and marketing teams.
• Strong attention to detail, adaptability, and ability to thrive under quick deadlines.

Additional Details:

• Type: Temporary/Contract
• Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid, 2–3 days onsite per week at Boston Landing)
• Start Date: ASAP
• Portfolio Required: Must include both 3D spatial layouts and 2D graphic design work.

Preferred Backgrounds:

• Prior experience supporting retail fixture design, window displays, or branded environments.
• Familiarity with consumer experience, store planning, or environmental branding projects.
• Comfortable working across both digital design and physical retail visualization.
  Experience with brands in athletic, lifestyle, or consumer retail categories is a plus.

1. Do you have professional experience designing 3D retail or visual merchandising environments using SketchUp? (DO NOT APPLY IF NOT)

2. Are you based in the Greater Boston area and available to work on-site 2–3 days per week? (DO NOT APPLY IF NOT)

3. Do you have at least 5 years of experience in retail, apparel, or environmental design? (DO NOT APPLY IF NOT)

4. Can you share a portfolio that includes both 3D spatial layouts and 2D design work? (DO NOT APPLY IF NOT)

5. Are you proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating quick-turn mockups and visual assets? (DO NOT APPLY IF NOT)