About Company
Ocean State Job Lot is a privately held, closeout retailer with over 140 stores across New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. With more than 5,000 dedicated associates and annual sales exceeding $800 million, we are a thriving company committed to delivering exceptional value and unique, ever-changing merchandise to our customers. Our mission is centered on being the premier closeout retailer, known for offering brand-name, first-quality goods at unbeatable prices. We pride ourselves on a vibrant company culture that promotes teamwork, encourages innovation, and actively engages in community support through our charitable foundation. We are continuously seeking talented individuals who are eager to contribute to our continued success, grow their careers within our dynamic environment, and uphold our core values of integrity, respect, and customer satisfaction.
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Job Description
Are you a highly organized, detail-oriented, and creatively driven individual with a keen eye for visual presentation and a passion for retail? Ocean State Job Lot is excited to recruit a proactive Merchandising Specialist to join our dedicated team in Taunton, Massachusetts. In this crucial role, you will be directly responsible for the successful execution of our corporate merchandising strategies, ensuring that our stores not only look their best but also optimize product visibility and drive sales performance. This position goes beyond simple product placement; it requires a strategic thinker who can interpret sales data, understand customer behavior, and translate corporate directives into compelling, intuitive, and brand-consistent in-store experiences. You will play a vital role in maintaining our high standards for store layout, product flow, and promotional displays, ensuring every customer visit is engaging and productive. The Merchandising Specialist will work collaboratively with store management and regional teams to implement precise planograms, coordinate impactful promotional setups, and help maintain accurate inventory presentations, all while strictly adhering to brand guidelines and safety protocols. This is an exceptional opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced retail setting, possesses strong aesthetic judgment, and is eager to make a tangible and visible impact on our retail operations. Join a company that values your contribution, offers clear paths for professional development, and fosters a supportive, energetic, and growth-oriented atmosphere.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute and maintain all corporate merchandising directives, detailed planograms, and visual presentation standards across assigned store locations.
- Ensure the timely and accurate setup of all promotional displays, seasonal product transitions, and new merchandise introductions.
- Monitor stock levels and product placement on shelves, communicating any discrepancies, overstocks, or sales opportunities to store management and buying teams proactively.
- Analyze store-specific sales data and customer feedback to identify merchandising opportunities and propose actionable improvements.
- Collaborate closely with store teams to optimize product adjacencies, customer flow, and overall store layout for maximum sales impact and customer satisfaction.
- Conduct regular, thorough store visits to assess merchandising effectiveness, identify training needs for store associates, and ensure full compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Provide hands-on training and clear guidance to store associates on best practices for product presentation, effective signage placement, and ongoing display maintenance.
- Ensure a clean, organized, and safe selling environment is consistently maintained, adhering to all company and OSHA safety standards.
- Stay current with industry trends, competitor merchandising strategies, and visual design innovations to contribute fresh and effective ideas.
Required Skills
- 2+ years of hands-on experience in retail merchandising, visual merchandising, or a related retail operations role.
- Demonstrated ability to accurately and effectively execute planograms and detailed visual directives.
- Solid understanding of core retail sales principles and advanced visual presentation techniques.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Ability to work effectively both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, along with excellent interpersonal abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Retail Merchandising, Business Administration, Marketing, or a closely related field.
- Prior experience with inventory management systems and retail analytics tools.
- Familiarity with the closeout or discount retail sector and its unique merchandising challenges.
- Proven track record of driving sales improvements through innovative and effective merchandising strategies.
Perks & Benefits
- Highly competitive annual salary with opportunities for performance-based incentives.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family.
- Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holiday schedule.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with a substantial company match.
- Exclusive employee discount on all merchandise purchased in-store.
- Robust opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and continuous learning.
- A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that values every team member's contribution.
- Active participation in community involvement and various charitable giving programs through the OSJL Charitable Foundation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by clicking on the application link below. Please ensure your resume clearly highlights your relevant experience in retail merchandising, visual presentation, and any achievements related to driving sales through effective product display. We eagerly look forward to reviewing your application and exploring how your unique skills and passion can contribute to the continued success and growth of Ocean State Job Lot.
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