Visual Merchandiser
A guide to the job roles in the fashion industry
what is being a visual merchandiser?
The roles and responsibilities of being a Visual merchandiser:
The typical activities done by the visual merchandisers will depend on the employer and the amount of freedom and creativity they are given. Visual merchandisers working at a higher level can be based within head office teams, regional teams, or flagship stores.
Some general activities include:
- identifying and sourcing props, fabrics, hardware and lighting;
- maintaining a budget and negotiating with suppliers of visual materials;
- working with architectural features of stores to maximise the available space
- leading and motivating teams to complete displays to tight deadlines;
- seeking feedback from colleagues and customers on the visual impact of displays and implementing changes.
skills needed to be a visual merchandiser:
To become a visual merchandiser, you will need to have:
- a good sense of design, colour and style creativity and imagination
- an awareness of current trends in design, fashion and culture
- a high level of attention to detail
- the ability to work to deadlines
- good communication skills
- the ability to work well as part of a team and also alone stamina and energy
Experience needed to be a visual merchandiser
To being a career in Visual Merchandising, you'll need to have some sort of experience to start out. You would be able to get qualifications in one of two ways; by completing a retail design qualification at college while looking for work or by moving from an in-store sales assistant role to a trainee visual merchandiser post.
Another way to get the grades needed of which majority of VM's tend to have is a Level 2 Certificate/Diploma in Fashion Retail, Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Fashion Retail, Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Retail Skills (Visual Merchandising).
Salary of a visual merchandiser:
A salary of a Visual Merchandiser can start from around £12,000 to £16,000 a year. Senior Visual Merchandisers can earn around £20,000 to £25,000 a year, and a Visual Merchandising manager or designers can earn between £25,000 to £55,000 a year. Finally a visual merchandising director can earn £60,000 a year and over. (these figures are only a guidline).