How to Land a Role in Visual Merchandising

Ever walked into a retail store, and been completely wowed by the displays? That would be the hard work of a visual merchandiser. They’re the creative masterminds to transform shop floors from empty spaces into immersive customer experiences. They use artistic flair, creative vision and strategic thinking to entice customers into their stores and, ultimately, boost sales. If you have a keen eye for detail, a passion for design, and a love for all things retail, then a career in visual merchandising could be your calling.

But how do you start your career in visual merchandising? What skills and qualifications do you need? And, once you’ve got the experience, how do you find your dream job in the industry? We’ve got you covered. As a leading retail recruitment agency, our team of specialists are here to share their top tips for getting into visual merchandising.

What exactly does a visual merchandiser do?

Visual merchandisers are the artists of in-store layouts. They create the eye-catching displays that draw customers in, and encourage them to make a purchase. Their primary focus is the customer journey – using products, props and lighting to create a narrative that captivates and inspires shoppers.

They work closely with buyers and marketing teams to understand different product ranges, the brand identity and campaign themes. They will then translate this information into visually stunning displays that showcase products in their best light, working to create a cohesive and engaging experience for shoppers.

From enticing window displays and in-store presentations to seasonal themes and promotional events, visual merchandisers are responsible for the overall look and feel of a retail space. They ensure that the store environment is inviting, appealing, and aligned with the brand’s image.

What skills are needed for a visual merchandiser?

Just starting out in the industry, and curious to see if you’ve got what it takes? Here’s some of the core skills you will need to shine in this creative role:

Creativity and Artistic Flair: This one’s a no-brainer. Visual merchandisers need a natural eye for design, a passion for aesthetics, and the ability to translate ideas into visually appealing displays.

Commercial Awareness: Whilst the displays need to look great, this isn’t the only goal. Visual merchandisers need to understand the commercial side of retail, and how to showcase products in a way that drives sales and maximises profitability.

Communication and Collaboration: If you’re hoping to work in visual merchandising, you’ll need to have strong communication skills, and be able to work as part of a team. These are essential to ensure everyone is on the same page, and working towards a common goal.

Attention to Detail: From perfectly placed products, to strategically arranged props, attention to detail is a must-have. Visual merchandisers need to be meticulous in their work, ensuring that every element of a display is perfect.

Time Management and Organisation: Visual merchandisers often work to tight deadlines, juggling multiple projects and installations. Excellent time management and organisational skills are essential to stay on top of this workload and continue to deliver outstanding results.

What qualifications do I need to be a visual merchandiser?

Whilst a formal qualification in visual merchandising or a related field can be beneficial, it’s not always essential – which is applicable to many jobs in retail. Most retailers would instead prioritise experience and a strong portfolio over formal qualifications.

However, if you do have (or are currently studying towards) a degree or diploma in visual merchandising, retail design, or a related field, this can provide you with a solid foundation in the principles of design, visual communication, and retail marketing. This will also demonstrate your commitment to the field and give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Can you be a visual merchandiser without experience?

Just starting out? Getting a job in visual merchandising with no experience can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible.

Here’s how we’d recommend gaining experience and building your portfolio:

Internships and Work Experience: Look for internships or work experience opportunities with retailers or visual merchandising agencies. This will give you valuable hands-on experience and allow you to learn from experienced professionals.

Volunteer your services: Offer your visual merchandising skills to local businesses or charity shops. This is a great way to gain in-store experience for your portfolio, and gain experience in a real-world setting.

Create your own projects: If the opportunities aren’t currently there, don’t be afraid to create your own! Work on your visual merchandising projects, showcasing your creativity and skills. This could involve mocking up displays using online software, styling photoshoots or working on your own seasonal decor.

Network with industry professionals: As well as what you know, it’s who you know. Attend industry events, connect with fellow visual merchandisers both face-to-face and via LinkedIn, and build relevant relationships.

How do I write a visual merchandising CV?

For hiring managers and recruiters, your CV will be their first port of call. Here’s what to include in your visual merchandising CV:

Showcase your creativity: Highlight your artistic flair and design skills, using visuals and creative layouts to make your CV stand out. Software such as Canva is a great place to start – just always make sure that your CV is still easy to read and access.

Emphasise your retail experience: Got retail experience? Make sure to highlight this on your CV. Even if it’s not direct visual merchandising experience, this will demonstrate your understanding of the retail environment as a whole, and customer behaviour too.

Use numbers and data: Where possible, quantify your achievements using numbers and data, e.g. “increased footfall by 50% with festive window displays”.

Include a link to your portfolio: It’s called visual merchandising for a reason – it’s all about being appealing to the eye. So, if you’ve got an online portfolio of your work, be sure to include a link to it on your CV so that recruiters can see your talents.

Submit tailored CVs: To show a real attention to detail, research the brand that you’re applying for. Highlight your skills and experience in previous roles, and compare these to the specifications in the job advert to stand out.

How do I prepare for a visual merchandising interview?

Go you, you’ve booked an interview! Now, you’ll need to prepare and show them what you’re made of. Here are a few tips to help you ace your visual merchandising interview:

Research the company and brand: Before your interview, do your homework. Research the company’s brand identity, target audience, and visual merchandising style. This will demonstrate your genuine interest and allow you to tailor your answers accordingly.

Prepare your portfolio: Bring a well-presented portfolio of your visual merchandising work to the interview. This will allow you to showcase your skills and creativity, and discuss demonstrable examples of your achievements.

Practice your answers to common interview questions: Prepare for common interview questions, such as “Why are you interested in visual merchandising?” or “Tell us about a successful visual merchandising project you’ve worked on.”

Be confident and enthusiastic: Let your passion for visual merchandising shine through in your interview. Showcase your knowledge about the brand, and explain why it’s them you’d like to work for. Remember to be confident in your abilities, articulate your ideas clearly, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

Start your visual merchandising career

Is a career in visual merchandising calling your name? If you’re full of creativity and commercial awareness, and have a passion for retail, why not start your search today? Whether you’re looking for visual merchandising jobs in London, Manchester or beyond, our team of retail recruitment experts are here to help you secure your dream role. Talk to us today.