Visual merchandising 

Visual merchandising 

Today visual merchandising plays an important role in this business- generation of retail-industry. Visual Merchandisers are the professionals who are responsible for granting any brand a face. Visual Merchandising (VM) is the art of presentation whereby Visual merchandiser conceptualizes designs and implements window and in-store displays for retail stores. This exercise educates the customers, creates desire and finally adds to the selling process. Merchandising is an area where the Indian textile and clothing industry, particularly, the small scale enterprises require adequate knowledge and expertise. This inadequacy is best reflected in poor presentation/display and communication in various national and international exhibitions. Therefore there are several training programme being conducted to train professionals in this emerging option. Visual Merchandisers must combine their artistic flair and creativity with technical know-how to set up displays that maximize the space of the store while effectively catching the eye and appealing to the senses of their target customers to serve these purposes:
  • Create and maintain an image for a department or store that resonate with their target customers
  • Direct their customers’ browsing through merchandise placement and store layout to result in an ultimate sale.
  • Multiply customer traffic in the store

Visual Merchandising Eligibility Criteria

There are many Certificates, Diploma programmes being provided by different institutes. Various institutes, all over India, offer diploma courses in visual merchandising. Many institutes conduct an aptitude test and interviews for VM courses. Even Crash courses are being offered for the working students and professionals. A student can be from any field or any background. One can enroll after 10+2 to the different diploma programmes.

Courses –

  • A. Hons Fashion and Visual Merchandising
  • A. Fashion and Visual Merchandising
  • Diploma in Visual Merchandising

College / Institute –

  • Birla Institute of Management Techonolgy
New Delhi-110017.
  • Asia-Pacific Institute of Management Sarita Vihar, New Delhi-110076
  • Indian Retail School
New Delhi-110049
  • K J Somajya Institute of Management
Mumbai-400030
  • Garware Institute of Career Education and Development
Mumbai-400098
  • Pearl Academy of Fashion New Delhi- 110028
  • Mudra Institute of Communications
Ahmedabad- 380058

Job Roles –

  • Define, design and implement a creative visual merchandising strategy
  • Create appealing and eye-catching visual displays that lead the customer through the entire store
  • Produce window displays, signs, interior displays, floor plans and special promotions displays
  • Identify key messages and set a clear image of the end result
  • Come up with, revise and present design ideas with assistant merchandisers
  • Act in alignment to the organization’s culture, products, image and target market
  • Monitor costs and work within budget
  • Oversee the production and brief staff on arranging displays
  • Change displays to promote new product launches and reflect festive or seasonal themes
  • Liaise with suppliers and source elements
  • Research lifestyle, demographics and design trends