Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Merchandisers
Merchandisers plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.
The Artist
What they do
Merchandisers plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.- Dress mannequins for displays.
- Plan commercial displays to entice and appeal to customers.
- Arrange properties, furniture, merchandise, backdrops, or other accessories, as shown in prepared sketches.
- Change or rotate window displays, interior display areas, or signage to reflect changes in inventory or promotion.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Merchandisers place prices or descriptive signs on backdrops, fixtures, merchandise, or floor. They consult with store managers, buyers, sales associates, housekeeping staff, or engineering staff to determine the appropriate placement of displays or products.
A typical day for a Merchandiser will also include:
- Maintain props, products, or mannequins, inspecting them for imperfections, doing touch-ups, cleaning up after customers, or applying preservative coatings as necessary.
- Arrange properties, furniture, merchandise, backdrops, or other accessories, as shown in prepared sketches.
- Develop ideas or plans for merchandise displays or window decorations.
- Dress mannequins for displays.
- Consult with advertising or sales staff to determine the type of merchandise to be featured and the time and place for each display.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Merchandisers also instruct sales staff in colour coordination of clothing racks or counter displays. They may also construct or assemble displays or display components from fabric, glass, paper, or plastic, using hand tools or woodworking power tools, according to specifications.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Merchandisers take photographs of displays or signage. They might also obtain plans from display designers or display managers and discuss their implementation with clients or supervisors.
In addition, they prepare sketches, floor plans, or models of proposed displays.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them change or rotate window displays, interior display areas, or signage to reflect changes in inventory or promotion.
To some Merchandisers, it is also their responsibility to install booths, exhibits, displays, carpets, or drapes, as guided by the floor plan of the building or specifications.
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What is the job like
64% said they were satisfied with their job and 35% said they found their job meaningful.
My name is Vanessa and I’ve worked for a few different fashion companies before I decided to focus on Marketing within the industry. One of the most fun fashion-related jobs I had, was being a Visual Merchandiser for a large retail chain. The work was very interesting, dynamic and no day was ever the same. … Read More
Pros
Suitable for people who like to work with designs.
Suitable for people who value relationships between co-workers and customers and want to work in a friendly non-competitive environment.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
One of the lowest paying jobs.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).
Salary
Entry-level Merchandisers with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $22,440 to $26,450 per year or $11 to $13 per hour.
| Salary range | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $25 | $51,750 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $19 | $38,890 |
| Middle (Mid 50%) | $15 | $30,810 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $13 | $26,450 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $11 | $22,440 |
Working life
Working hours
Working schedule
Working environment
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
Should you become one
People with this personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules. You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with forms, designs, and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
They also like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
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