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Job Title: Retail Display Designer (Full-Time, Temporary Contract)   Date Posted: 04/21/26 Ref. Number: 986 Type: Full Time Part Time Location: Newmarket Requirements: ELIGIBILITY Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is a program under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). It helps youth gain paid summer work experience and develop skills for the job market. To apply, you must be aged 15 to 30 at the start of employment, be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee, and hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS •Must be aged 15 to 30 at the start of employment, be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee, and hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) in order to qualify for CSJ eligibility. •Experience in visual merchandising, retail display, interior styling, or a related field (preferred). •Strong creative vision with the ability to work within constraints of donated inventory. •Excellent sense of color, layout, and design. •Highly resourceful and adaptable in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. •Strong organizational and time management skills. •Ability to work independently and collaboratively. •Physically able to lift, move, and arrange merchandise (including furniture). •Passion for thrift, sustainability, and creative reuse. Description: WHY WORK HERE Be part of a dynamic, community-focused retail environment where creativity is encouraged and your work directly impacts growth, engagement, and sales. PURPOSE OF THE POSITION The Retail Display Designer is responsible for creating visually compelling, welcoming, and sales-driven displays throughout the store using donated merchandise. This role transforms everyday second-hand items into curated, inspiring shopping experiences that reflect the store’s mission, maximize product value, and enhance the customer journey. The ideal candidate is creative, resourceful, detail-oriented, and passionate about storytelling through merchandising — able to see potential in donated goods and turn them into beautiful, cohesive displays HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE Visual Merchandising and Display Creation •Design and execute engaging, seasonal, and themed displays using donated items. •Create cohesive vignettes that inspire customers (e.g., living room setups, dining tablescapes, seasonal decor). •Style mannequins and outfit displays for apparel sections, ensuring current trends and coordinated looks. •Develop eye-catching front-of-store and window displays to draw in foot traffic. •Refresh displays regularly to maintain a dynamic and ever-changing shopping experience. Store-Wide Display Oversight Oversee and elevate visual presentation across all key thrift store departments, including: •Front Entrance and Windows Create strong first impressions with inviting, seasonal, and high-impact displays. •Furniture and Home Decor Stage furniture pieces into lifestyle settings (e.g., living rooms, bedrooms, patios). •Housewares and Kitchen Curate functional and aesthetic groupings (e.g., dish sets, entertaining displays). •Clothing (Men’s, Women’s, Children’s) Style mannequins, coordinate racks by color or theme, and highlight key pieces. •Accessories (Shoes, Bags, Jewelry) Present items in organized, boutique-style layouts. •Books and Media Create themed displays (e.g., cookbooks, seasonal reads, children’s collections). •Seasonal and Holiday Sections Lead transitions for major retail seasons (e.g., Christmas, Easter, Back-to-School). •Feature Walls / Highlight Areas Rotate “featured finds” or premium items to increase visibility and sales. Creative Use of Donated Materials •Work exclusively (or primarily) with donated goods to build displays. •Repurpose, upcycle, and creatively combine items to maximize visual impact. •Identify high-value or unique items and showcase them effectively. •Collaborate with sorting and production teams to pull items suitable for display. Customer Experience and Brand Alignment •Create a warm, welcoming, and inspiring store environment. •Ensure that displays align with the organization’s mission, values, and brand aesthetic. •Design spaces that are easy to shop, accessible, and encourage exploration. •Support promotional events, sales, and campaigns through visual storytelling. Collaboration and Team Support •Work closely with store management, production staff, and volunteers. •Provide guidance and basic training to team members on display standards. •Communicate display plans and priorities clearly to ensure execution. •Assist with floor resets, seasonal transitions, and special events. Health and Safety Responsibilities •Ensure that all displays are structurally safe, stable, and secure. •Follow proper lifting techniques and use equipment safely when moving furniture or heavy items. •Maintain clear and accessible walkways, aisles, and emergency exits at all times. •Adhere to all workplace Health and Safety policies and procedures. •Use ladders, step stools, and tools safely and appropriately. •Identify and report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately. •Ensure that displays do not create tipping, tripping, or falling risks for customers or staff. •Maintain cleanliness and organization in all display areas. KEY ATTRIBUTES •Creative and innovative thinker. •Detail-oriented and organized. •Flexible and solution-focused. •Positive, team-oriented attitude. •Passionate about creating beautiful, meaningful spaces. WORKING CONDITIONS •This job is performed mostly indoors in a thrift store retail setting. •Extensive work interfacing with people. DURATION OF THE OPPORTUNITY •Start Date: May 5th, 2026 •End Date: August 22nd, 2026 •Hours per Week: 35 COMPENSATION EXPECTATIONS $17.60 per hour. Hours per week: Rate of Pay: $17.60