Position Description

MISSION THRIFT STORE
NEWMARKET (ONTARIO)

CANADA SUMMER JOBS OPPORTUNITY:

RETAIL DISPLAY DESIGNER
(Full-Time, Temporary Contract)

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).

JOB POSTING

BFM Foundation Canada is a national Christian organization with over 50 Mission Thrift Stores across the country. The net revenue from all Mission Thrift Stores is devoted to the Joint Ministry of BFM Foundation Canada and Bible League Canada (BLC). These funds are used to establish adult and children’s literacy programs, church planter training, and distribute Bibles in many places around the world. The stores are operated primarily by dedicated volunteers.

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.

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.

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.

APPLY TODAY!

We look forward to hearing from you! Please submit your cover letter and resume by April 24th, 2026, to newmarket@missionthriftstore.com. We are sincerely grateful for all applications submitted for this opportunity. We will contact you if you are selected for the next stage.

As part of the interview process, you will be asked to design and set up an original in-store merchandise display at Mission Thrift Store Newmarket.

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).

Mission Thrift Store welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the interview process.