Retail Design & New Store Development

AKIRA Retail Design & New Store Development

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women’s clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA’s culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer’s needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position: Retail Design & New Store Development

Location: HQ – Chicago, IL (Onsite). This is not a remote position and requires regular onsite attendance, with up to 50% travel to support new store openings, remodels, and operations across 40+ retail locations.

Overview

The Retail Design & New Store Development is responsible for the design, planning, development, and implementation of new retail store locations and remodel projects. This role combines creative design, project coordination, installation support, and vendor management to ensure stores are visually appealing, functional, and aligned with company standards. The position works closely with company leadership, store owners, contractors, and vendors to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop innovative store layouts and design concepts for new store locations and remodels.

• Create floor plans, fixture layouts, elevations, and store presentations.

• Present store layouts, design concepts, and project updates to management and store owners for review and approval.

• Coordinate all aspects of new store development from concept through installation and store opening.

• Conduct site visits, store surveys, and project assessments as required.

• Collaborate with contractors, vendors, architects, and internal teams to ensure successful project execution.

• Coordinate store fixture, signage, display, and equipment installations.

• Assist with hands-on installation activities when necessary to ensure store readiness.

• Place, track, and manage orders for fixtures, signage, equipment, displays, and other store-related materials.

• Monitor project timelines, budgets, and delivery schedules.

• Ensure all store designs comply with company standards, local building codes, and safety requirements.

• Resolve design, installation, and operational issues during project implementation.

• Maintain accurate project documentation and records.

• Support store openings, relocations, and remodel projects.

• Research industry trends and recommend improvements to store design and customer experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Retail Design, or a related field preferred.

• Experience in retail store design, store planning, interior design, or new store development.

• Knowledge of retail fixtures, construction, installation, and store opening processes.

• Experience working with vendors, contractors, and store owners.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Required Skills

• Ability to travel as required for store visits, installations, meetings, and new store openings.

• Strong installation skills and understanding of store setup procedures.

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong computer skills, including the ability to create and present store layouts and design concepts to management and store owners.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, or similar design software preferred.

• Ability to place, manage, and track orders for fixtures, equipment, signage, and store supplies.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

• Comfortable utilizing AI-powered tools to enhance design development, project management, communication, documentation, and overall productivity.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and move materials during store installations and site visits, lift up to 60 lbs.

• Ability to work flexible hours when supporting store openings and installations.

Success Factors

• The ideal candidate is a creative and detail-oriented professional who enjoys both design and hands-on project execution. They possess strong communication skills, work well with teams and store owners, can manage multiple projects simultaneously, and are comfortable traveling and supporting store installations from concept through completion.

Benefits and Perks:
AKIRA offers 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.