Visual Merchandiser is one of the important professionals in the chain of sales management. It is the person responsible for all the activity of promoting the sale of goods by laying emphasis on their presentation in retail outlets. The sole goal of a visual merchandiser is to attract and then retain the attention of customers and establish an image of the displayed product in the targeted customer's mind besides encouraging more customers to visit the store.
Thanks to cut throat competition in the retail management and emphasis on display to compete the visual merchandiser is heavily relied on to help design a store's layout and any other situation involving the store's merchandise being displayed, sold, or promoted. All this is irrespective of the fact that the store is located inside of a mall or stands alone on the street.
Although it seems easy the task in hand of Visual Merchandiser is easier said than done. He has to do his work in such a fine way that it could grab the attention of the prospective customer in a little time and make them want to come inside.
To be able to do justice to his work and be effective a Visual Merchandiser A visual merchandiser should have a natural artistic ability and the technical design experience required to build a display set including visual props, lighting, and arrangements.
A visual merchandiser should have current knowledge of the trends in the design industry too. For this, he has to undergo some formal training /courses provided by many design schools.
Visual Merchandiser Eligibility
The minimum educational for becoming a Visual Merchandiser is a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Retail Management from a recognised institute.
Visual Merchandiser Required Skills
- Visual Merchandisers should possess a good sense of design, colour and style; creativity and imagination; an awareness of current trends in design, fashion and culture.
- They also have a high level of attention to detail; the ability to work to deadlines and good communication skills.
- Candidates should be able to work well as part of a team and also alone; stamina and energy; technical drawing skills and good IT skills.
- They are also required to have the ability to use large and small spaces effectively; be self-motivated and practical; have technical drawing skills; be able to use computer-aided design packages.
How to become a Visual Merchandiser?
To become a Visual Merchandiser one has to undergo one or more of the following Courses-
- B.Sc. in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management-B.Sc. (FMRM)
- M.Sc. in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management-M.Sc. (FMRM)
- M.B.A Retail Management.
- Bachelors of Fashion Retail Management.
- Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing and Retail Management.
- Post Graduate programme in Fashion Retail Management.
Eligibility-
1. For Certificate, diploma or bachelors courses
Educational Qualification
One should be +2 in any stream with 50% for some of the Institute of the repute.
2. For Postgraduate Programs like MBA, M.Sc. etc.
Educational Qualification
One should be at least a graduate preferably in a related subject with at least 50% marks for getting admission in the college of repute.
One has to clear written test and interviews taken by various institutions for the admission to 2 years programme of MBA in retail management.
For admission to Postgraduate Program in Retail Management (PGPRM) offered in 15 B-Schools across India Retailers Association of India (RAI), the first independent body of retailers in India, conducts a Common Admission Retail Test (CART) on a national basis. Candidates applying for CART must hold a bachelors degree with 50% marks. Final year students can also apply.
After getting the requisite qualification one can join as a Visual Merchandiser Manager to start with and can climb the ladder of the hierarchy with experience in the field.
Visual Merchandiser Job Description
Visual Merchandiser achieves this goal of presenting the goods in an attractive manner by combining products, environments, and spaces into a stimulating and engaging display to encourage the sale of a product or service. The display has become such an important element in the retail business that a teamwork involving most of the decision maker i.e. the senior management, architects, merchandising managers, buyers, the visual merchandising director, industrial designers, and the staff is needed to get the effective work done.
Visual Merchandiser Career Prospects
Visual Merchandiser gives the brand a face, so they hold one of the very important positions in the industry. As these professionals are a part of concept and design they can also be a technical designer, product developer and store planner. Visual merchandisers use their artistic talent and designing skills to create arrangements for window and in-store displays to showcase home furnishings.
Visual Merchandiser Salary
Visual Merchandisers’ salary has seen a huge rise in the recent past. Thanks to the opening of various retail outlets of the MNC’s and Branded products throughout the world. A fresh creative and well trained/informed Visual merchandiser can expect as good as Rs.40,000 to Rs.50,000 to start with. Some on the job experience and extraordinary creative skill can get him even in lakhs.
