Become a Merchandise Displayer

photo credit: Sean Future

Merchandise displayers are responsible for planning and arranging merchandise in windows, showcases, and/or on the sales floor of retail stores in a way that will best attract the attention of customers. Depending on the store, the merchandise can consist of clothes, accessories, furniture, hardware, or other items. Merchandise displayers take advantage of color, lighting, and space to optimize the appeal of their displays.

In small stores, a displayer may work alone, designing the store’s overall layout and deciding how the store’s merchandise should be presented. In larger stores, several displayers may work together, sometimes under the supervision of a display director. For large store chains, displayers may work in corporate headquarters, collaborating with corporate marketers to develop display designs for the entire chain. Merchandise displayers generally have a stable 40-hour work week, although they can expect evening, weekend, and/or overtime work for special sales or holiday seasons.

Education, Certification, Licensing

Although merchandise displayers are not required to have an advanced education beyond high school, a degree or certificate in visual merchandising, graphic design, fashion design, interior design, or fine arts will help greatly in this competitive field. Those possessing a bachelor’s degree will have the best chance of not only finding work but also of advancing up the career ladder, possibly to corporate design departments.

Even though formal education is important, it should be kept in mind that merchandise displayers receive most of their training on the job. An aspiring displayer can get an early start in the business by volunteering to help with the design and construction of parade floats or theater sets and props, or by getting part-time or summer jobs in stores. States do not require merchandise displayers to be licensed. However, it may be beneficial to join a trade association such as the National Association of Display Industries, Inc., which opens its membership to both designers and corporations. Membership would provide networking opportunities, business leads, and access to sponsored seminars to keep up with industry trends.

This article on fashion merchandising schools and jobs has been provided courtesy of City Town Info.

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