A visual merchandiser in the fashion industry is responsible for a store's image.
Visual merchandising is one of the most important components of the fashion industry, reports LIM College, a four-year college devoted to fashion that is based in New York City. The reason is that visual merchandising is the language fashion retailers use to speak with their customers. This means every piece of merchandise on the retailer's floor must be presented in a way that telegraphs the right message. That is where a visual merchandiser comes in.
Job Description
A visual merchandiser in fashion plans, designs and implements the window and store displays for the fashion retailer. The position requires creative, technical know-how and artistic talent to build displays and properly outfit those displays to encourage customers to buy. A visual merchandiser effectively cultivates and conveys the retailer's image, making sure it speaks directly to targeted customers and increases customer traffic -- both virtual and physical. Moreover, merchandisers use their skills to walk customers through the browsing and purchasing experience.
Qualifications
Virginia Tech University reports that visual merchandisers can enter the field with an associate degree in fashion visual merchandising, but usually as an assistant to an established visual merchandiser. A bachelor's in visual merchandising is required for getting hired in a more direct role. Candidates with degrees in graphic or applied design are also welcome, but they will need course work in consumer purchasing behavior and psychology. A bachelor's degree is also important for promotion opportunities, reports Western Illinois University.
Earnings
According to Virginia Tech University, at the time of publication, entry-level candidates can expect starting wages of around $30,000 annually with increases to around $45,000 annually after gaining a couple years of experience. Top salaries in the field from proven performers can range from $50,000 to $60,000 annually.
Advancement
The career path for a virtual merchandiser usually starts at the assistant level, then progresses to the visual merchandiser position. Upon gaining experience, candidates can get promoted to visual merchandising coordinator, and or they may be promoted to the director level.
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