02 Feb Press Release: ‘Round the Mountain Issues Request for Proposals for Professional Merchandising Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Ryan Vaughan
Marketing Manager
Friends of Southwest Virginia
rvaughan@myswva.org
‘Round the Mountain Issues Request for Proposals for Professional Merchandising Services
ABINGDON, Va. (February 2, 2026) – ‘Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network (RTM) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified professional merchandisers to develop and implement a cohesive, multi-site merchandising strategy for its artisan retail locations across Southwest Virginia.
The selected consultant will lead the development and hands-on implementation of a comprehensive merchandising plan serving multiple RTM retail environments. The project will also establish scalable merchandising standards to support RTM’s future expansion into additional visitor centers and satellite retail locations.
This initiative is supported in part by funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Virginia Tobacco Commission and advances RTM’s efforts to strengthen artisan retail performance, enhance visitor engagement, and expand market access for Southwest Virginia–made products.
“This project is about elevating how our artisans’ work is experienced and discovered,” said Kim Davis, Executive Director of RTM and Friends of Southwest Virginia. “We are looking for a merchandising partner who understands how thoughtful design, storytelling, and layout can drive sales while honoring the authenticity and craftsmanship behind each product. The outcome will directly support our artisans today and create a model we can carry forward into new communities.”
The scope of work includes on-site merchandising assessments, strategic recommendations, design-forward layouts, and implementation support tailored to each location. At the Cultural Center, the focus will be on optimizing existing fixtures and inventory to improve sales performance. At potential off-site locations, the consultant will design portable or pop-up artisan retail displays with vendor-ready specifications that can be installed by RTM staff and adapted for future sites.
In addition to site-specific plans, the project will produce an RTM Satellite Retail Merchandising Handbook. This practical toolkit will provide standards, checklists, and visual guidance to support consistent, high-quality merchandising across future RTM retail and visitor center locations.
Proposals are due by February 23, 2026, with an anticipated contract start date of March 16, 2026. Final deliverables must be completed no later than June 15, 2026.
Full RFP details, submission requirements, and procurement information are available through RTM. Qualified firms and individuals with demonstrated experience in retail and visual merchandising, particularly within cultural, artisan, or visitor-centered environments, are encouraged to apply.
Submission Information:
Proposals must be submitted electronically by February 23, 2026.
Subject Line: Professional Merchandising Proposal – [Firm or Individual Name]
Learn more and apply at www.friendsofswva.org/opportunities