Anyone who would like to specialize in retail display design as a visual merchandiser must first learn about the qualifications that are needed before applying for this type of position. Visual retail design is a very important profession within the retail industry. Since a storefront can entice pedestrians and drivers to stop by a store and check out the merchandise, there’s a huge focus on display cases and how they present merchandise. Here is what future designers need to do to become a visual merchandiser:
What is a Day in the Life of a Retail Display Designer Like?
There are plenty of different types of retail design positions. There are positions where merchandisers are given products and tasked with placing the products in the right area and in the right pattern.
There are also store window display designers, who are responsible for more than just following a planned schematic. These professionals are responsible for using their creative juices to conceptualize a living design in a three-dimensional space. They work with fabrication teams on current and future projects and collaborate with retailers and internal customers. A lot of what a designer does is experiments and mocking up ideas that can be visualized.
Who is a Good Fit For This Position?
Retail display designers are responsible for more than just imagining an image and turning it into real life. They must also fight hard to earn contracts with retailers that want to expand their market share or reach a bigger target market. This involves presenting and pitching to marketing executives and researching costs to stay on budget.
Since there are so many different aspects of visual merchandising, it takes the right personality traits and inherent skills to succeed in this role. The best candidates will have a flair for design but they need much more than just this. Additional qualities that a designer would need to possess include:
- Creative thinker
- Energetic
- Knows how to appeal to an audience
- Familiar with current trends
- Punctual and practical
- Self-motivated
- Artistic skills
How to Start an Entry-Level Career
Future display designers can find open positions with retail design departments, design consulting firms, display companies, retail printers, retailers, and exhibition companies. Each and every one of these employers will have their own hiring requirements when recruiting entry-level display merchandisers.
While there are no specific or universally accepted requirements for these positions, it does help for any candidate to have a degree that pertains to the industry. There are some colleges and vocational schools that offer 2-year certificate programs in the field. Some schools also have an Associate of Science in Visual Merchandising major.
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Majoring in Visual Merchandising
Anyone who majors in visual design used in a retail setting will learn about the hands-on approach that designers must take to appeal to an audience. These programs are focused on designing and performing design tasks rather than on academic topics. Theory and the history of design are more likely to be taught at a 4-year degree level.
There are several different types of design jobs that a professional who is qualified to design displays could pursue. Unfortunately, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for new designers and merchandisers will be lower than average with a growth of only 3%. A majority of positions for designers is in the department store setting. Anyone who is still interested in training to become a visual merchandiser should complete training in retail display design before applying.
