Visual Merchandiser

Typical Salary

£12,000 To £55,000

Typical Hours

36 to 38 a week

evenings

How To Become a Visual Merchandiser

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly
a specialised distance learning course

College / University

You could do a college course before looking for a trainee job with a retailer. Courses include:

Level 2 Certificate in Fashion Retail
Level 3 Diploma in Retail Skills Visual Merchandising

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship in retail visual merchandising.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start as a retail worker and take on more responsibility for displays and merchandising as your experience grows.

You may be able to apply directly for jobs if you have retail experience and can show enthusiasm and a flair for display design.

Other Routes

You can do a Certificate in Display and Visual Merchandising through the British Display Society. This is a distance learning course and could help whether you're working in retail or looking for your first job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to sell products and services
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
customer service skills
excellent verbal communication skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks will include:

designing product displays and floor plans, or following plans from head office
drawing designs and plans by hand or computer
using space and lighting creatively
sourcing materials like models, props, signs and equipment
arranging displays and dressing dummies
teaching sales staff how to display goods
producing brand guidelines so all stores have the same look and feel

Working Environment

You could work at a store.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, hot and cramped.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could progress to team leader, then visual merchandising manager.

You could also move into retail, exhibition or interior design, or set up your own business creating one-off displays.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could become a member of the British Display Society for professional development and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about working in visual merchandising from the Fashion Retail Academy.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.