How to become a Visual Merchandiser

Visual Merchandiser

Visual merchandisers develop floor plans and three-dimensional displays of goods and services in order to maximise sales and profit. These include window displays, interior point-of-sale displays and special promotions.

Personal requirements for a Visual Merchandiser

  • Creative flair and imagination
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Good colour sense
  • Good drawing and design abilities
  • Able to cope with the physical demands of the job

Education & Training for a Visual Merchandiser

You can work as a visual merchandiser without formal qualifications. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications. You may like to consider a VET qualification in visual merchandising or retail operations. Applicants may be required to submit a portfolio of artwork. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.


Duties & Tasks of a Visual Merchandiser

Visual merchandisers:

  • Communicate with managers of department stores to determine the floor layout, traffic flow and display points, as well as what items are to be displayed and how
  • Design window or internal displays based on a theme, style or trend of promotion
  • Obtain props and accessories for constructing displays
  • Make and paint props and signs
  • Dress mannequins and use appropriate lighting to display merchandise for the best possible presentation
  • Arrange ticketing and signage
  • Maintain, store and dismantle displays after promotion periods.

Tasks

  • Setting up fabricated displays in store windows and other areas
  • Developing overall promotional and display plans for approval
  • Arranging lighting to highlight fixtures, displays and goods
  • Preparing sketches and models showing layout, colour and other features for approval
  • Arranging ticketing and signage
  • Organising the setting out of goods to be shown as part of permanent displays
  • Determining goods for display in accordance with prospective seasonal and promotional events
  • Obtaining props and other accessories, and building displays

Working conditions for a Visual Merchandiser

Visual merchandisers may be required to carry equipment and products, climb ladders, unpack stock and work in confined areas. Those employed by large department stores or firms may travel between head office and branches. They may need to work at night and on weekends and public holidays.


Employment Opportunities for a Visual Merchandiser

Visual merchandising requires creative talent and an eye for detail. Major employers include department stores, small to large retailers and other businesses such as display and exhibition companies. Some visual merchandisers are self-employed as consultants, freelancers and trainers. Wholesalers sometimes employ visual merchandisers to work with retailers to maximise sales through visual presentation in showrooms, exhibitions and trade shows.


Specializations

Visual Merchandiser

Visual merchandisers develop floor plans and three-dimensional displays of goods and services in order to maximise sales and profit. These include window displays, interior point-of-sale displays and special promotions.

  • Average age
    Average age
    36 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Strong
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    85% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    42 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $1,246
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Lower skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Lower unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    50% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    8,100 workers
  • Employment Size
    Employment by state
    ACT: 1.1%
    NSW: 33.1%
    NT: 0.2%
    QLD: 17.4%
    SA: 6.7%
    TAS: 0.8%
    VIC: 32.2%
    WA: 8.3%
  • Employment Size
    Age brackets
    15-19: 2.2%
    20-24: 12.1%
    25-34: 33.1%
    35-44: 22.1%
    45-54: 19.4%
    55-59: 5.7%
    60-64: 3.4%
    65 and Over: 2%
  • Employment Size
    Education level
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 23%
    Bachelor degree: 17.9%
    Certificate III/IV: 13.1%
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2%
    Year 10 and below: 12.9%
    Year 11: 5.5%
    Year 12: 25.7%
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