What does a visual merchandiser do?

In the most simple terms, a visual merchandiser is in charge of creating visually appealing design displays in retail stores or outlets. Visual merchandising is all about attracting the customer to the merchandise. They use their design and innovation skills to enable high-quality visual styling that adheres to the guidelines of the brand and its sales objectives. Whether it is increased brand awareness or sales, a visual merchandising specialist works around window displays, walkways and counters to provide an outstanding in-store experience.

You might hire a visual merchandiser to: 

  • Curate and execute the best visual merchandising strategy for the retail outlet
  • Ensure that the strategy complies with the ethos of the company, its products and its customers
  • Monitor the designs so that the visual display designs are in tune with the sales and marketing objectives of the brand
  • Generate effective visual merchandising which is a balance between creative and functional
  • Stay on top of retail merchandising display trends that the others are implementing

Introduction:

Creating a positive and upbeat shopping experience is something that we strive to live by at [Company X]. We’re seeking a highly innovative and skilled visual merchandiser to create high-quality retail displays. The candidate must not be afraid to think out of the box while working on creative visual merchandising tasks. With keen attention to detail, the display merchandiser must successfully convert window shoppers into customers through effective designs. The visual merchandiser in question must also be proficient in the latest consumer trends and the psychology of the target market. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written go a long way for the visual merchandiser role.

Objectives of this role:

  • Curate creative visual merchandising as per the goals of the company, be it to increase walk-ins, create awareness or sales conversions
  • Create a positive and fulfilling shopping experience for the customers through visual merchandising and display
  • Implement creative merchandising campaigns while adhering to company guidelines
  • Employ visual merchandising principles to meet the targets set by the company
  • Drive the sales targets and profitability through effective design and visual merchandising 

Responsibilities:

  • Curate and monitor the entire lifecycle of the visual merchandising experience, keeping in mind the marketing goals
  • Understand and analyse the psyche of the customer to curate more effective merchandising
  • Assess and gauge the effectiveness of a given visual merchandise and edit/tweak it as per the need of the hour
  • Keep track of the store inventory and make sure that the visual merchandising is displayed effectively
  • Ensure a safe work environment and provide outstanding customer service as a visual merchandising specialist
  • Monitor costs for a certain project and ensure that the visual merchandising stays within the proposed budgets
  • Collaborate and coordinate with other professionals, be it the buyers, members of the marketing team, or retailers
  • Install and set up the displays keeping in mind the visual styling trends that are prevalent in the market 

Required skills and qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in visual communications, graphic design, or a related discipline
  • Outstanding creative, design, and analytical skills
  • Familiarity with common 3D design software
  • Previous experience as a visual merchandiser, or experience working in a merchandising team
  • Keen interest in the current trends of visual merchandising
  • Information about consumer needs and patterns
  • Knowledge of the company branding ethos and guidelines

Preferred skills and qualifications

  • Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite
  • Familiarity working with HTML and CSS
  • Experience working with vendors or in the retail sales team
  • Customer service-related skills