Visual merchandiser
Create eye-catching displays and store layouts to help bring in more customers.
Also known as: window dresser, display assistant
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£365
Entry level
£577
Experienced
Monthly
£1,583
Entry level
£2,500
Experienced
Yearly
£19,000
Entry level
£30,000
Experienced
500
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would create eye-catching displays and store layouts to help bring in more customers.
As a visual merchandiser in a large retail company, you would work as part of a display team. You would follow design plans created at head office by a visual merchandising manager or senior display designer.
Your role may sometimes overlap with that of a display designer. Display designers create things like display stands, stock containers and sales posters.
Tasks vary, but in general you would:
Produce design ideas for displays and develop floor plans, or follow a company plan
Create special displays to promote a specific product or offer
Decide how to use space and lighting creatively
Make best use of a store's space and layout
Give feedback to head office and buying teams
Set up displays, dress dummies and arrange screens, fabric and posters
Source display materials and hire, borrow or make props
Make sure that prices and other required details can be seen
Teach sales staff how goods should be displayed
Take down old displays
As a senior visual merchandiser, you would also plan the store display for the year, draw design plans and buy the right models, props, equipment and signs.
As a head office visual merchandiser coordinator, you may have to prepare visual merchandising packs to send to other stores, so that all stores have the same look and feel.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- creative
- designing
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
- implementing ideas
- managing resources
- taking initiative
Your skills are important
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Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Fashion and Textile Technology
Skills for Work: Retailing
There are no set qualifications for this role, but entry is competitive. An education that demonstrates design skills and an understanding of retail would be valuable.
You could gain entry with one of the following:
An HNC/HND in design or retail studies (SCQF Level 7/8). The entry requirements include National 5 qualifications and two Highers. You may get in without the necessary Highers if you have a good portfolio.
A degree in design or retail studies (SCQF Level 9/10). The entry requirements usually include National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND. You may need to have a portfolio and have completed your Highers in one sitting.
A Modern Apprenticeship in Retail (SCQF Level 5/6). You could gain experience and build your skills through an apprenticeship.
Qualifications and experience that show creative, display and sales skills such as:
Skills for Work: Retailing (SCQF level 5)
Creative Industries (SCFQ level 5)
Higher National Diploma in Display Design for Retail (SCQF level 8)
Relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Retail: Visual Merchandising (SVQ level 3), or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.
You will usually need a portfolio and retail experience to enter this job.
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