Department stores, boutiques, and other retailers often rely on eye-catching displays to attract the attention of customers. In order to effectively create and put together these interesting arrangements of merchandise, it takes skill and knowledge. The professional who is responsible for this task is known as a display artist or a visual merchandiser.
Besides stimulating shoppers' interest in the products for sale, a visual merchandiser must also market the store itself. A retail layout that is inviting and lively will not only entice consumers inside, but it will also keep them wanting to look around more. It is a dynamic field of ever-changing trends, seasons, and promotions, which must be addressed with a creative flair for devising new displays.
If someone wishes to pursue a career in visual merchandising, it is first necessary to earn a high school diploma or GED in order that one is then eligible to apply to a design school or community college offering programs in this field. Being in possession of a degree or diploma will increase a person's chances for promotion, although a few employer's may provide training on the job as an apprentice designer for select candidates.
Students in this trade can choose to complete either a two-year Associate Degree or four-year Bachelor's Degree program in visual merchandising. The former provides a basic knowledge of how to effectively conceptualize and execute store layouts and displays and implement the key elements of design, while the latter builds on this skill by studying it more in depth, giving the student a more detailed knowledge and more creative tools to work with.
One component of most visual merchandising courses is market and trend analysis. This is important, as it plays a vital role in determining how the merchandiser should arrange the store and its goods to garner the attention of shoppers in a way that speaks to their current needs and interests. Since this is a very "hands-on" type of work, most schools offer co-op or apprenticeship options as part of the program so students can learn by doing.
The prospects for the growth of this field is promising. With the number of new retailers appearing on the scene increasing consistently, this in turn raises the demand for visual merchandisers. All stores need to someone who can ensure that their products and layout are presented in a way that is appealing to potential customers.
Many people employed as visual merchandisers receive an above-average salary. As with many other professions, those starting out will typically earn less, since pay is often commensurate with years of experience and educational background, so it's worthwhile investing in additional training, and to seek out every possible work opportunity.
Most visual merchandisers can expect to put in a 35-40 hour work week on average, but sometimes extra hours may be required to meet important deadlines. Over time, those who are employed by one store may be given positions of more responsibility such as manager or supervisor of the visual merchandising department. Some designers may also choose to do freelance work and establish their own business, as they develop a sizable client base.
Besides stimulating shoppers' interest in the products for sale, a visual merchandiser must also market the store itself. A retail layout that is inviting and lively will not only entice consumers inside, but it will also keep them wanting to look around more. It is a dynamic field of ever-changing trends, seasons, and promotions, which must be addressed with a creative flair for devising new displays.
If someone wishes to pursue a career in visual merchandising, it is first necessary to earn a high school diploma or GED in order that one is then eligible to apply to a design school or community college offering programs in this field. Being in possession of a degree or diploma will increase a person's chances for promotion, although a few employer's may provide training on the job as an apprentice designer for select candidates.
Students in this trade can choose to complete either a two-year Associate Degree or four-year Bachelor's Degree program in visual merchandising. The former provides a basic knowledge of how to effectively conceptualize and execute store layouts and displays and implement the key elements of design, while the latter builds on this skill by studying it more in depth, giving the student a more detailed knowledge and more creative tools to work with.
One component of most visual merchandising courses is market and trend analysis. This is important, as it plays a vital role in determining how the merchandiser should arrange the store and its goods to garner the attention of shoppers in a way that speaks to their current needs and interests. Since this is a very "hands-on" type of work, most schools offer co-op or apprenticeship options as part of the program so students can learn by doing.
The prospects for the growth of this field is promising. With the number of new retailers appearing on the scene increasing consistently, this in turn raises the demand for visual merchandisers. All stores need to someone who can ensure that their products and layout are presented in a way that is appealing to potential customers.
Many people employed as visual merchandisers receive an above-average salary. As with many other professions, those starting out will typically earn less, since pay is often commensurate with years of experience and educational background, so it's worthwhile investing in additional training, and to seek out every possible work opportunity.
Most visual merchandisers can expect to put in a 35-40 hour work week on average, but sometimes extra hours may be required to meet important deadlines. Over time, those who are employed by one store may be given positions of more responsibility such as manager or supervisor of the visual merchandising department. Some designers may also choose to do freelance work and establish their own business, as they develop a sizable client base.
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