Visual merchandiser
Create eye-catching displays and store layouts to help bring in more customers.
Also known as: window dresser, display assistant
About the job
What it's like
You would create eye-catching displays and store layouts to help bring in more customers.
As a visual merchandiser in a large retail company, you would work as part of a display team. You would follow design plans created at head office by a visual merchandising manager or senior display designer.
Your role may sometimes overlap with that of a display designer. Display designers create things like display stands, stock containers and sales posters.
Tasks vary, but in general you would:
Produce design ideas for displays and develop floor plans, or follow a company plan
Create special displays to promote a specific product or offer
Decide how to use space and lighting creatively
Make best use of a store's space and layout
Give feedback to head office and buying teams
Set up displays, dress dummies and arrange screens, fabric and posters
Source display materials and hire, borrow or make props
Make sure that prices and other required details can be seen
Teach sales staff how goods should be displayed
Take down old displays
As a senior visual merchandiser, you would also plan the store display for the year, draw design plans and buy the right models, props, equipment and signs.
As a head office visual merchandiser coordinator, you may have to prepare visual merchandising packs to send to other stores, so that all stores have the same look and feel.
Hours
In a full-time job you would work 37 to 40 hours a week, often including late evenings in order to set up displays when stores are closed. Part-time work may be available.
Environment
You could be based at head office or at a store. Putting up displays would mean spending a lot of time on your feet as well as lifting, carrying and climbing ladders. Working in shop windows can be hot and cramped.
Travel
If you work for a chain store, you might travel to different branches to set up displays and give instructions to sales staff.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- visual merchandising
- merchandising
- sales optimization
- brand identity
- planogram
- selling techniques
- point of sale
- product layout
- shift work
- fashion retail
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- creative
- designing
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
- implementing ideas
- managing resources
- taking initiative
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Fashion and Textile Technology (Home economics)
Skills for Work: Retailing
There are no set qualifications for this role, but entry is competitive. An education that demonstrates design skills and an understanding of retail would be valuable.
You could gain entry with one of the following:
An HNC/HND in design or retail studies (SCQF Level 7/8). The entry requirements include National 5 qualifications and two Highers. You may get in without the necessary Highers if you have a good portfolio.
A degree in design or retail studies (SCQF Level 9/10). The entry requirements usually include National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND. You may need to have a portfolio and have completed your Highers in one sitting.
A Modern Apprenticeship in Retail (SCQF Level 5/6). You could gain experience and build your skills through an apprenticeship.
Qualifications and experience that show creative, display and sales skills such as:
Skills for Work: Retailing (SCQF level 5)
Creative Industries (SCFQ level 5)
Higher National Diploma in Display Design for Retail (SCQF level 8)
Relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Retail: Visual Merchandising (SVQ level 3), or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.
You will usually need a portfolio and retail experience to enter this job.
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