AKIRA is a fast-growing fashion retailer known for bold style, statement-making designs, and immersive retail environments. We are looking for a skilled, hands-on Retail Visual Installation Specialist to help bring our creative vision to life across our retail locations.

This position combines craftsmanship, construction, visual display installation, and creative problem-solving. The ideal candidate is highly resourceful, mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with their hands.

This is a physically active, hands-on position—not a traditional desk-based interior design or visual merchandising role.

The Position: Retail Visual Installation Specialist

Location: HQ - Chicago, IL (On-Site)

Position Overview

The Retail Visual Installation Specialist will be responsible for assembling, building, installing, maintaining, and updating visual displays, store fixtures, decorative elements, and interior installations across AKIRA retail locations.

Working from concepts, renderings, instructions, and materials provided by the corporate creative team, this individual will execute installations that transform our stores into visually impactful retail environments.

Projects may range from assembling and installing fixtures to painting, wallpapering, constructing custom displays, hanging decorative installations, and assisting with store openings and renovations.

The ideal candidate has a strong combination of hands-on construction skills, creative ability, technical knowledge, and an eye for aesthetics.

Key Responsibilities

Visual Installations & Store Displays

• Execute visual installations based on creative direction, renderings, and materials provided by AKIRA's corporate team.

• Assemble and install custom displays, decorative structures, props, and visual merchandising elements.

• Install seasonal displays, window installations, feature walls, and other creative retail environments.

• Receive, organize, and assemble prefabricated installation components shipped from corporate or outside vendors.

• Interpret installation drawings, measurements, and visual references to accurately execute designs.

• Modify or adapt installation components when necessary to accommodate actual store conditions.

Construction, Assembly & Finishing

• Assemble, install, repair, and modify retail fixtures, shelving, racks, display units, and decorative structures.

• Perform painting, wallpaper installation, surface preparation, touch-ups, and other finishing work.

• Complete light carpentry, woodworking, drilling, mounting, fastening, and general construction tasks.

• Safely use hand tools, power tools, ladders, and other installation equipment.

• Install wall-mounted displays, decorative panels, signage, mirrors, and other retail elements using appropriate mounting methods.

• Measure, cut, level, align, and secure materials with precision.

• Troubleshoot installation challenges and develop practical solutions on-site.

Store Openings, Renovations & Maintenance

• Assist with new store openings, remodels, and retail refresh projects.

• Install fixtures, decorative elements, and visual displays according to project timelines.

• Repair or replace damaged fixtures, displays, and interior finishes.

• Support ongoing store improvements and special projects.

• Coordinate with corporate teams, store management, and outside contractors as needed.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment throughout installations.

Travel & Project Execution

• Travel to AKIRA retail locations nationwide to complete installations and store projects.

• Work independently or as part of a team to complete projects efficiently and accurately.

• Manage tools, supplies, installation materials, and project equipment.

• Document completed installations with photos and communicate project progress to the corporate team.

• Work flexible hours when necessary, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends to accommodate store operations and installation schedules.

Qualifications (Required)

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in retail installations, visual display fabrication, carpentry, fixture installation, construction, set building, or a related trade.

• Strong working knowledge of hand tools, power tools, mounting hardware, and basic construction techniques.

• Experience with painting, wallpapering, fixture assembly, and general installation work.

• Ability to read measurements, follow drawings, and translate visual concepts into finished installations.

• Comfortable working on ladders and performing overhead installations.

• Strong attention to detail and an understanding of visual presentation and aesthetics.

• Ability to work independently, solve problems, and adapt to changing project needs.

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly, including overnight trips.

• Valid driver's license and ability to transport tools and materials when required.

Preferred

• Previous experience with fashion retail installations, visual displays, store design, or experiential retail environments.

• Experience at retailers with elaborate visual displays, such as Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, or similar concept-driven stores.

• Background in scenic fabrication, theater set construction, prop building, or exhibit installation.

• Experience working with wood, metal, acrylic, vinyl, wallpaper, and decorative materials.

• Familiarity with retail fixture systems, window displays, and custom installations.

• Artistic or creative background combined with strong technical installation skills.

Physical Requirements

This is a highly physical position requiring regular hands-on work.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently, with team assistance or equipment for heavier items.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and perform physical installation work for extended periods.

• Ability to climb and work safely on ladders.

• Ability to perform overhead work and install fixtures or decorative elements at elevated heights.

• Comfortable working in active retail environments, stockrooms, and construction or renovation settings.

• Ability to travel frequently and work variable schedules based on project needs.

• Ability to use tools and installation equipment safely, with appropriate training and protective equipment.

What We're Looking For

We want a creative builder and problem-solver—someone who can look at a design, understand how it should come together, and physically make it happen.

The right person is resourceful, dependable, detail-oriented, and takes pride in their craftsmanship. They are comfortable tackling a wide range of projects, from simple fixture assembly to complex decorative installations.

Most importantly, this individual enjoys working with their hands, thrives in a fast-paced retail environment, and can execute AKIRA's bold creative vision with precision and quality.

Benefits and Perks:
We offer competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We’re committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.

Job Type: Full-Time

We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.

We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.