Job Spotlights
How to become a Visual Merchandiser
Visual merchandisers create eye-catching store displays and layouts to attract customers into retail settings and maximise sales. They use colours, lighting, props, and products to influence how people experience and interact with brands.
If you have a great sense of style, love retail, and enjoy creating spaces that capture people's attention, a career as a visual merchandiser could be right for you.
What skills do I need as a visual merchandiser?
Creativity and imagination
Customer focused mindset
Strong attention to detail
Good understanding of colour and design
Excellent communication skills
Great time management skills
Can cope with the physical demands of the job
Flexibility and adaptability
What does the job involve?
Design and create displays and in-store layouts
Choose colours, lighting, and props that enhance products
Decide which products are to be displayed and where
Install, maintain, and pack up displays
Plan seasonal campaigns and product launches
Collaborate with your team on promotional campaigns
Manage budgets for display materials and props
Keep up to date with trends in fashion, design, and retail
What industries do visual merchandisers typically work in?
Retail Trade
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
Manufacturing
What kind of lifestyle can I expect?
This job offers a high amount of flexibility, with around half of all visual merchandisers working part-time. Most work standard business hours, but you might need to work evenings or weekends during busy shopping periods or seasonal changes.
The work can be quite physical, involving lifting props, climbing ladders, and moving displays around. Travel is sometimes part of the role, particularly if you work for a large retailer with stores in multiple locations.
While visual merchandisers mostly work in retail settings, there are also opportunities in museums, hotels, airports, and other commercial environments.
Visual merchandisers typically earn an average salary, with opportunities for growth as you gain experience.
How to become a visual merchandiser
There's no single path to becoming a visual merchandiser, but there are several things you can do to help you break into the field.
Many visual merchandisers obtain a qualification in design, visual arts, fashion, or marketing. Courses in interior design, graphic design, or retail management can also be useful.
Alternatively, you might like to start in a retail sales position and work your way up. Many visual merchandisers learn about customer behaviour and retail operations while working in other roles.
No matter which pathway you take, it's beneficial to build a strong portfolio of work you can show to potential employers. Showing off your design skills in other mediums (like graphic design, photography, fashion design, or even visual arts) is a great starting point.
What can I do right now to work towards this career?
If you're still in school and interested in a career as a visual merchandiser, here are some steps you can take right now:
Practice at home by creating your own displays - rearrange your bedroom, style a bookshelf, or even help organise your school's display boards.
Gain retail experience through casual work or work experience. Understanding how shops operate and customers behave is valuable for any visual merchandiser.
Take workshops and short courses in design that can help you build important skills. There are lots of courses you can take online and some for no cost.
Where can I find more information?
Shop! (Aus & NZ)
Similar careers to visual merchandiser
Marketing Manager
Retail Assistant
Advertising Agent
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