Chad Niehaus

Chad Niehaus is a customer-centered retail experience executive with more than 20 years of experience leading large-scale transformations for some of the world’s most recognized retail and consumer brands. Throughout his career, he has combined strategic business leadership, design thinking, merchandising innovation, and operational excellence to create store environments and customer experiences that drive growth, productivity, and brand differentiation.

Currently as Vice President of Merchandising Operations, Chad leads Assortment Planning, Store Environments (including Customer Experience Design, Space Planning, Planogramming, and Fixture Development) and Catalog Development at Advance Auto Parts. Chad is currently focused on accelerating Advance Auto Parts’ comeback journey through data analytics and cross-functional partnerships to deliver on the "Right Part, Right Place, Right Service" promise. 

As Senior Director of Store Environment, Strategic Concepts, and Space at Lowe’s Home Improvement, Chad led a multidisciplinary organization of more than 140 global associates across Strategic Concepts, Lowe’s Design Center, Planogram, Visual Space, Fixture Development, and Store Planning. His teams supported over 200 line reviews, 1,000+ merchandising projects annually, and numerous enterprise-wide initiatives focused on localization, customer experience, operational efficiency, and financial performance. He was responsible for developing innovative merchandising and experience solutions that advanced Lowe’s strategic objectives while fostering a culture of talent development and leadership growth.

Prior to Lowe’s, Chad spent a decade at WD Partners, where he advanced from Prototype Designer to Senior Director of Creative Services. He led global multidisciplinary teams, managed portfolios exceeding $12 million in revenue, developed long-term client partnerships, and delivered award-winning retail, restaurant, and branded environment solutions for clients across the globe. He also served as an Adjunct Professor of Retail Design at The Ohio State University, teaching future designers how to approach customer experiences through strategic thinking and creative visualization.

Earlier in his career, Chad held design leadership roles with FRCH Design Worldwide (Now Nelson Group) and Interbrand Design Forum, contributing to branded environments for retail, restaurant, financial, automotive, and consumer goods clients. His work has been recognized through numerous industry awards, publications, and multiple retail design honors.

A graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design, Chad is known for building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, and creating integrated retail experiences that connect brand strategy, customer needs, and business results.