A power-point presentation on the different routes into visual merchandising.

1. How do you get a
position as VM?

2. Introduction
Visual Merchandising is a very key role within fashion retail. There are many different routes
you can take to lead you on to getting this job role, so as a group we have researched ways
you can get a position as Visual Merchandiser. We found and listed different qualifications
you may need and promotions you could receive to enable you to become a VM. Also, we
have included what opportunities in being a VM could offer, expectations from employers
and we have written a comparison between working your way up to become a VM, whilst
working in retail and studying to achieve a qualification that would lead you straight into a
job as a VM.

3. Level 2/3
certificate/diploma in
fashion retail
Qualifications
Level 3
certificate/diploma in
retail skills (VM)
British Display Society
offers a distance learning
course. This is a
certificate in display and
VM. It is an online based
course.
The BDS now offer an
advanced VM course for
those who want more
experience in the
industry.
Level 4 diploma in
merchandising for
fashion retail
Foundation degree in
fashion and VM
Level 4 visual merchandising:
-2 days a week
-18+
Level 4 intensive visual
merchandising:
-12 weeks
Postgraduate
Fashion Retail
Programme:
-Buying,
merchandising
and management
-6 weeks
Introduction
to VM:
-3 day course

4. What can YOU do to become a
Visual Merchandiser?
Qualification in a
British Display
Society degree – a
certificate in display
and VM
Get a foundation degree in Fashion
and visual merchandising. Many
Uni's offer a VM course, one being
London University of Arts
Find an apprenticeship
in Visual
Merchandising
Study level 3
diploma/certificate in
fashion retail OR in
retail skills
Complete a retail design
qualification at a college
You can move from an in store
sales assistant to a trainee Visual
Merchandiser

5. This may then develop into
a career in retail design and
working with companies to
design the layout of their
store and their shop fronts.
- It is possible to work
towards a VM
qualification such as a
level 4 Diploma in
merchandising or a
foundation degree in
fashion and visual
merchandising.
A lot of the time,
retailers offer in-
house training
It is very common for a VM to
develop and better their skills on the
job
What
opportunities
does a VM
offer?

6. You could move to different areas of visual merchandising such as retail
merchandising, retail design, exhibition or interior design.
𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝑜𝓅𝓅𝑜𝓇𝓉𝓊𝓃𝒾𝓉𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝒶𝓃 𝒱𝑀 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝓉𝑜?
With enough experience within the field you can be promoted to display team leader and
then to visual merchandising manager.
When people think of visual merchandising they often just assume this is one role,
however there are lots of jobs which VM includes, for example, in store VM, window
dresser and creative manager
You could also become a freelance visual merchandiser who will be called in
by various clients to design displays rather than working for one specific
brand.

7. What stores
(employers)
expect from a
VM
A VM will be
expected to create
new designs and
ideas for window
displays and shop
floor layout.
VM's will often work 37
– 40 hours a week, this
will include early
mornings and night
shifts.
Some employers will
expect their VM to teach
sales assistants how
goods should be
displayed.
They are expected
to set up posters,
displays and dress
the manneqines
with the latest
trends.
VM's will also work
in a team with other
employees to agree
on the best display
ideas

8. Pros & Cons of working your way into VM and getting a qualifcation
Starting in Retail Getting a VM qualification
• Gain a qualification & knowledge
• You don't have to do through the
process of getting promoted
• Your course may offer a
placement which means you will
have retail experience
• You don’t have to
study
• Experience for CV
• Get a salary while
working your way up
to a VM
Cons
• Not as educated
• May not get the
promotion
• The process could
take a long time
• University courses
cost a lot of money
• It also takes a while to
get a qualification
• Only retail experience
may be from
placement