Visual merchandisers design, implement and convey visual representations and ideas to showcase retail brands using their inventiveness and trend knowledge. As visual merchandisers, individuals advertise retail brands, goods, and services in-store, through catalogs, and digitally. They might also collaborate with galleries or design visual elements for events. Catching up with and forecasting future trends are critical elements of their job. If professionals operate from a corporate headquarters, they’ll almost certainly coordinate with other agencies to create a periodic visual strategy and commercial engagements to attract and excite the target demographic. It is also feasible to work as a freelancer or consultant, developing graphic concepts for clients or teaching retail personnel.
Numerous universities are offering fashion courses in London to equip and train students with the required expertise to advance as visual merchandisers in the fashion industry. This journey begins by acquiring the right set of education and skill-set. Here is the list of pointers that must be followed to initiate a career as a visual merchandiser in London in 2022:
Educational background: Graduate programs for visual merchandising are available at several big stores, although they are uncommon. Building their way up from the production floor is how often higher-level visual merchandisers gather expertise. A degree is required for this position and some academic institutions offer specialized courses, such as:
- Fashion buying.
- Merchandising.
- Fashion,
- Branding.
- Fashion styling and visual merchandising.
Essential skills:
- Pay close attention to detail.
- Always seem to be up to date on the latest trends.
- Are innovative and creative.
- Have a flair for layout, color, and style.
- Communication and negotiation capabilities.
- Capacity to collaborate effectively with members of various teams.
- The ability to work constructively with criticism.
- A driver’s license is necessary for driving to various stores.
- Visual, spatial consciousness and manual precision are required.
Gain the experience: Acquiring job experience in the retail sector, particularly if it entails designing displays and organizing things, can be beneficial. If you have no prior experience in visual merchandising, you may find it simpler to transition into this profession by first operating as a commercial sales associate and then actively participating in visual merchandising on the production floor.
Potential employers: The vast majority of visual merchandising employees work in retail establishments. The retail business engages around 2 million people and is one of the world’s largest private industries. Organizations that are most likely to hire visual merchandisers include:
- Fashion retailers,
- Departmental shops,
- Multiple high-street retail chains,
- Major self-reliant moderate retailers,
- Mail-order firms,
- Online shopping companies.
Professional development: There is a wide range of training opportunities, which are appropriate for both qualifying for entry into this industry and further expanding your experience and competencies. Numerous stores provide in-house coaching in branding styles and development to staff as part of their continued professional development. A professional visual merchandiser can also help you in finding suitable training platforms.
So, if you are planning to give it a try, then you must sign up for a visual merchandising course now!