Fashion. Visual Merchandising!

Visual Merchandisers compels the prospective customer to stop, look and to buy through the use of visual presentation. Creates window and/or interior displays of merchandise throughout the store, Showcases new ideas, concepts and products. Coordinates marketing, merchandising and retailing to communicate with the targeted customer. Presents design concepts and store layouts, develops the retail image. Supervises wall and counter displays. Visual Merchandising.

What work is like. Display designers create ideas and designs to promote a store or business’s image, products or special themes. Visual merchandisers make sure designs are featured through all displays, marketing and promotional activities. Some people combine both jobs. Designers initially discuss with their clients, or company decision makers, an image, seasonal theme or special promotion to feature in forthcoming displays and marketing. They produce drawings, plans, colored impressions, and sometimes models, to present ideas for discussion, before finalizing designs. Visual merchandisers are responsible for implementing these designs. They work closely with marketing and sales teams to make sure the image, theme or promotion is highlighted in all customer areas, through displays, products and point-of-sale materials. They may be involved in training sales colleagues in merchandising skills, identifying current and future trends, and reporting back on activities of business competitors.

How much will I be making? Visual Merchandisers make anywhere from $42,000 - $80,000 a year depending on where you work, the location, and the years you’ve been there.

When will I be working? Display designers/visual merchandisers usually work 35 to 40 hours a week, but sometimes longer, for instance, when preparing displays for Christmas or a special promotion. They work in design studios, offices, at company headquarters, or are based in store. They spend a lot of time on their feet when designing and arranging displays. Some travel is likely, especially in companies with branches in different parts of the country, to co-ordinate designs or brief staff on the required appearance.

What skills and personal qualities do I need?  be creative, imaginative and energetic  be able to use computer-aided design programs (for display designers)  have good concentration skills  be able to produce high quality work  be able to work to tight deadlines  have good communication skills  be self-motivated and practical  be aware of current trends and activities in design, fashion and culture  have technical drawing skills  Have good skill and appearance.

Training? Degree courses usually last three years, and Foundation degree courses two years full time. Other certificate and diploma course lengths vary, but are usually one to two years.

Job Tips.  Display sale and products in a creative way.  Use accent lighting to feature products.  Change display weekly.  Color matters.  Merchandise the themes.

Where can I go to school?  Parsons  Fashion Institute of Technology  Academy of Art and Design  Art institutes.