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Visual Merchandising Lead | September 2025 - February 2026
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Visual Merchandising Associate | March 2025 - September 2025
Harry Potter Chicago
Visual Merchandiser
Graphic by Samantha Irgang
Team Lead
After being internally promoted in recognition of my strong work ethic, leadership abilities, and creative approach to driving sales, I stepped into a role that allowed me to further shape the in-store experience. I seamlessly paired merchandising with storytelling, creating immersive visual moments that brought the Wizarding World to life while enhancing the customer journey. I oversaw the creative execution of all visual displays, while also leading the planning and rollout of large-scale floorset changes for major launches, including holiday décor and window displays. In addition, I managed and motivated a team to uphold high visual standards across all departments, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and attention to detail. By analyzing stock levels and aligning them with visual strategy, I combined creativity with data-driven decision-making to boost engagement and maximize sales.
Associate
Selected as part of the original team to help build and launch the store, I played a key role in bringing an immersive Harry Potter™ retail experience to life from day one. I conducted daily morning rounds to ensure the space is clean, organized, and fully stocked ahead of opening, while continuously monitoring inventory throughout the day to replenish high-demand items and maintain a seamless customer experience. I also upheld the brand’s visual merchandising standards, ensuring all displays, signage, product placement, and themed installations remain consistent, engaging, and true to the overall experience.
Supported the Funko x Kinder event as a Visual Associate by building an entrance display that attracted attention to promotional items and encouraged customer flow into the store.
As a team lead, I was solely in charge of the execution for both windows. From installing the wood flooring and blue curtains to building out the trees and small clusters, this was a huge step for me as a visual leader.
Several confectionery items appeared on the no-sale report due to low visibility on the shop floor. I addressed this by creating a dedicated confectionery aisle within the checkout lanes to drive visibility and encourage impulse purchases. Within two business days, all items were cleared from the no-sale report.
To drive sales, our team made the decision to make a display for our new chess board. However, I took the display one step further by mimicking the scene in the first Harry Potter movie where Ron decides to sacrifice himself for Harry and Hermione. The placement of pieces is the exact setup where Ron makes that decision for his team.
Thirty minutes before opening, the Goblet feature stopped working. I made the decision to creatively simulate the flame effect using blue and white cellophane and enhanced the display by adding the Triwizard contestants’ names around the goblet. This solution maintained the magical guest experience while turning the moment into a unique visual variation that other visitors wouldn’t typically see.
