Visual merchandiser Jane Lloyd of Jarrold.

Visual Merchandiser

Answers supplied by Jane Lloyd, a visual merchandiser at Jarrold & Sons Ltd, a retail department store in Norwich. Jarrold & Sons Ltd is a leading regional retailer with 10 stores covering 200,000sq ft of sales area. The Norwich department store has been expanded and refurbished over the past four years and last year was named Independent Department Store of the Year.

What does the job entail?
The job involves using a variety of visual techniques including window dressing and producing in-store selling displays, co-ordinating colour and design for different types of product. It is important that shop windows reflect what is happening in-store as customers could become quite frustrated if they were unable to source products displayed in the window. Planning ahead is also a big part of the job — during spring and summer you might be planning the Christmas displays.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
It is an advantage to have artistic qualifications, but the more retail experience gained the better, developing skills in practice. An eye for colour and design is essential and being creative and imaginative is also important as you may need to create your own props to achieve the required look.

What type of person will fit in?
You will need to be able to work as part of a team, but also be prepared to work alone using your own initiative and creative flare. It is also important to have good communication skills as visual merchandisers often work on the shop floor and customers may ask for advice on the products displayed.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
The job can be very rewarding especially seeing your ideas come to life. It can also be physically demanding as fetching and carrying, climbing and lifting may also be involved to achieve your goal. Seasonal demands, such as Christmas, can also involve you working longer hours. Generally the role does not involve working weekends, but again with business demands you may be required to work some.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
If you excel in visual merchandising, you may be able to train others, lead a team, or achieve management level either hands on, administratively or both.

What can I expect to earn?
Salaries can vary depending on the size of business and level of appointment. Salary range could be anywhere from £10,500 per annum to £20,000 plus for managerial positions.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
Look for vacancies advertised in local newspapers or contact the human resources departments of large stores. Some offer training to NVQ level in Visual Merchandising. Work experience placements can often lead to permanent employment.