Hire a Visual Merchandiser
Visual merchandisers play a critical role in retail establishments as they promote brands using visual strategies. They create display designs based on consumer behavior, oversee the visual layout of the store, develop pricing and tag concepts, and liaise with suppliers. They arrange and present the products strategically in a store in order to grab the customer's attention. As creative and innovative thinkers, they use their skills to utilize the available space to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the window and in-store displays of a retail establishment. The goal is to increase sales, get brand recognition, and provide an excellent in-store experience. These professionals use their skills to convert window shoppers into prospects, drive branding and sales objectives, thereby maximizing profitability. Visual merchandisers generally work alone in smaller retail stores. However, in larger establishments, they are usually part of the visual merchandising team. They work early mornings or late nights when they are fewer customers and might also have to work overtime or on weekends to accommodate special projects or campaigns. A visual merchandiser is paid an average salary of $45,000 yearly. Benefits include social security, 401K/403B, healthcare, pension, and paid time off. Career advancement and promotion opportunities for this position involve visual merchandising manager and visual merchandising director roles.
Tasks and responsibilities performed
The job responsibilities, in a way, are dependent on the size of the store. However, the core duties remain the same across establishments. They usually work under the direction of the visual merchandising manager, assisting them with their daily tasks. A visual merchandiser is primarily in charge of the display and the merchandise being sold in the store. They have to create and implement a visual merchandising strategy for the store that is consistent throughout the store. They should make sure that their approach is in-line with the brand, products, and target market. Visual merchandisers have to facilitate buying decisions by ensuring product information is readily accessible to the customers. They should arrange aisles and display space to make the products easy to find. To get things in order, they should liaise with buyers, marketing executives, and retail merchandisers, as and when necessary. While working on the displays, they should monitor the budget, optimizing costs, and maximizing profits. They should also research lifestyle and design trends to stay up to date with the workings of the industry.
Essential requirements when hiring
Those seeking to secure a position in this field must have an undergraduate degree in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field. Applicants must have proven work experience as a visual merchandiser or visual manager and a comprehensive portfolio of relevant visual design work. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or other visual design tools along with MS Office Suite programs is mandatory. Additionally, they must demonstrate design skills, creativity, commercial awareness, and teamwork skills. They must also have strong communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to analyze sales and merchandising reports and survey results is a plus.
