Visual Merchandiser

The Darien Sport Shop, founded in 1946, offers an exceptional shopping experience with three expansive floors featuring designer and contemporary clothing, accessories, gifts, and sporting equipment for all ages. Known for its outstanding customer service and unique in-store offerings, the shop provides professional alteration services by skilled tailors, free local delivery, and hosts special events like fashion previews and trunk shows.

As a family-owned and locally-operated business, it upholds a legacy of personalized service and active engagement in community and philanthropic initiatives.

We are looking for a creative, detail-oriented Visual Merchandiser to join the DSS team. This is a hands‑on, execution-focused role — you’re the person on the floor making it happen. Working closely with our merchandising and operations teams, you’ll help shape how product is presented, how the store flows, and how customers experience our space from the moment they walk in.

Whether you’re a seasoned visual professional looking for a new home, a part‑time specialist who loves the craft, or a freelance talent seeking a long‑term creative partnership, we’d love to meet you. The schedule and structure are flexible for the right person.

• Execute floor sets, seasonal resets, and product presentations in line with brand and visual direction
• Arrange and style product displays across departments (apparel, accessories, footwear, and gifts) with an eye for flow, balance, and storytelling
• Dress and refresh window displays and in‑store focal points to reflect current season, promotions, and store events
• Partner with the buying and merchandising team to translate product strategy into compelling visual presentations
• Support new arrivals and seasonal transitions by planning and executing floor moves efficiently
• Maintain visual standards on the sales floor daily — recovery, restocking, and presentation upkeep
• Bring creative ideas to the table: outfitting concepts, display themes, fixture use, and overall store aesthetic
• Collaborate with the operations team to ensure all changes are executed cleanly, safely, and on schedule

• A genuine eye for visual storytelling — you notice what looks great and you know how to get there
• Experience in visual merchandising, retail display, styling, or a related creative field
• Ability to work independently and execute with minimal direction once aligned on goals
• Physical comfort with the hands‑on nature of the role: moving fixtures, dressing mannequins, climbing ladders, lifting product
• Strong communication and collaboration skills — you work well with a team and take feedback constructively
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including weekends and key seasonal periods
• Familiarity with specialty or lifestyle retail is a plus, but a strong visual instinct and positive attitude go a long way
• Be part of an 80‑year local institution with a genuine culture of craft and community
• Work alongside a close‑knit team that takes pride in the work
• Handle high‑quality garments from respected brands
• Flexible scheduling available; part‑time and full‑time candidates welcome
• Competitive hourly compensation commensurate with experience
• Employee discount on store merchandise
• A role with real ownership — your work directly shapes the customer experience
• Health benefits & 401k for full‑time employees