Visual merchandiser

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

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

Entry requirements:

College

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
• Level 4 Diploma in Merchandising for Fashion Retail
• Level 4 Diploma in Visual Merchandising

Some people get into visual merchandising after doing art and design courses like fashion design or textiles.

Entry requirements:

• 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
• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

Apprenticeship

You may be able to gain relevant experience and qualifications through an intermediate retailer, an assistant buyer-merchandiser or retail supervisor higher apprenticeships.

You could get involved with visual merchandising and use your experience to get onto a specialist course or into trainee roles.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

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

DirectApplication

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

OtherRoutes

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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• 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
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• business management skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• leadership skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• physical fitness and endurance
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Visual merchandisers design eye-catching product displays and store layouts to encourage sales.

You could:

• design product displays and floor plans, or follow plans from head office
• draw designs and plans by hand or on computer
• use space and lighting creatively
• source materials like models, props, signs and equipment
• arrange displays and dress dummies
• teach sales staff how to display goods
• produce brand guidelines so all stores have the same look and feel

Location : You could work at a store.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding, hot and cramped.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

36 - 38 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings

Career Path:

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.

You could become a freelance visual merchandiser and work for lots of different companies on a consultancy basis.