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Visual Merchandiser

Kaiwhakatū Taonga ā-Matapihi

Visual merchandisers arrange goods and make displays in shops, shop windows and at events to attract the attention of customers.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements for this job, but business studies, design and communication (graphics), construction and mechanical technologies, and painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking combined to at least NCEA Level 2 are useful.

For Year 11 to 13 students, the ServiceIQ Gateway programme is a good way to gain retail experience.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3
  • Certificate
  • Bachelor's degree

Useful experience

Useful experience for visual merchandisers includes:

  • experience in set design, drawing and painting
  • work in retail sales or advertising
  • creative work such as interior or graphic design, or photography.

What you will do

Visual merchandisers may do some or all of the following:

  • discuss suggested displays with clients or management
  • set up products and displays according to planograms (store layout plans)
  • change signage and window displays regularly
  • add new stock and remove old products
  • ensure all stock is appropriately displayed
  • research displays and make sketches or models of displays
  • purchase or make the props for the display
  • assemble the display using a variety of materials
  • take photos of the displays and signage.

Skills and knowledge

Visual merchandisers need to have:

  • knowledge of marketing and advertising, and how customers respond to product and display placement
  • knowledge of how to assemble props and displays to attract customers' attention
  • knowledge of different art techniques and materials, and fashion trends
  • skill in designing, drawing and constructing displays
  • ability to maintain props and mannequins.

Visual merchandisers who are self-employed also need small business management skills.

Pay

Visual merchandisers who work in-store usually earn

$48K-$55K

per year

Visual merchandisers who oversee multiple stores usually earn

$55K-$200K

per year

Job opportunities
Average
Chances of getting a job as a visual merchandiser are average due to increasing job numbers, but high competition for positions.

Industry

Advertising and Marketing

Visual merchandisers arrange goods and make displays in shops, shop windows and at events to attract the attention of customers.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a visual merchandiser. However, retail sales experience and creative flair are essential.

A tertiary qualification may be useful, such as a:

  • Bachelor in Retail and Business Management
  • New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4).

Industry training organisation ServiceIQ offers the New Zealand Certificate in Retail for Levels 2, 3 and 4 through on-the-job training.

Chances of getting a job

Growing demand for visual merchandisers, but strong competition for vacancies

Demand for visual merchandisers is growing due to an increasing number of retail stores creating full-time, in-house visual merchandising positions. Visual merchandising tasks that used to be done by staff in other retail positions are increasingly being done by workers dedicated to the role.

Despite a rise in demand for visual merchandisers, competition for jobs is high.

Your chances of securing a job are best if you have sales experience or already work for a retail store, as many businesses employ sales staff who have shown a flair for creativity.

According to the Census, 507 visual merchandisers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Many visual merchandisers are employed by fashion retail businesses. They may also work in other retail sectors such as:

  • stationery
  • homeware
  • furniture
  • supermarkets
  • electronics.

Some visual merchandisers are self-employed and contract their services out to retail stores. However, opportunities for self-employed visual merchandisers have decreased as more retailers have created in-house positions.

Find out more about training

ServiceIQ
0800 863 693 - info@serviceiq.org.nz - www.serviceiq.org.nz

Progression and specialisations

Visual merchandisers in large stores may move into training roles, or regional or national management.

Working conditions

Visual merchandisers:

  • usually work regular business hours if they are employed by a retail store, but may work shorter hours if they are contractors
  • may travel locally or regionally to assemble displays.

Useful personal qualities

Visual merchandisers need to be:

  • creative and artistic
  • able to inspire confidence in their clients
  • able to follow instructions and accept criticism
  • good at listening to, and communicating with clients
  • skilled at planning and making decisions
  • able to work to deadlines.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Advertising and Marketing

Visual merchandisers arrange goods and make displays in shops, shop windows and at events to attract the attention of customers.

Similar jobs in this industry

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