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Visual merchandiser

Alternative titles for this job include Window dresser, display assistant

Visual merchandisers design eye-catching product displays and store layouts that appeal to customers and encourage sales.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£31,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

36 to 40

You could work

evenings / weekends on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
  • a specialised distance learning course

College

You could do a college course before looking for a trainee job with a retailer. Courses include:

  • retail skills
  • fashion business and retail
  • visual display and branding for fashion
  • retail and visual merchandising operations

Some people get into visual merchandising after doing art and design, fashion design or textiles at college.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a place on an apprenticeship with a company. These include:

  • Retailer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Retail Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Buying and Merchandising Assistant Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a retail worker and take on more responsibility for displays and merchandising as your experience grows. You could also study for qualifications in merchandising while you work.

Direct Application

You may be able to apply directly for jobs if you have retail experience and can show enthusiasm and a flair for display design.

Other Routes

You could do an online Certificate in Display and Visual Merchandising through the British Display Society. The Society's courses could be useful, whether you're already working in retail or looking for your first job.

More Information

Career tips

It will help to have a portfolio of work to showcase your creative ideas and design skills to potential employers.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Display Society for professional development and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about working in visual merchandising from the Fashion Retail Academy.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • customer service skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a visual merchandiser, you could:

  • create floor plans and product displays, using design software
  • use space and lighting creatively
  • find suppliers for materials like models, props, signs and equipment
  • arrange fashion displays and dress retail dummies
  • work with marketing teams on promotions and product launches
  • support new store openings and refurbishments
  • train sales staff on how to display products
  • follow brand guidelines to create a consistent look across all stores

Working environment

You could work at a store.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and cramped.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to team leader, then visual merchandising manager.

You could also move into retail buying, exhibition design or interior design, or set up your own business creating one-off displays.

You could become a freelance visual merchandiser and work for different companies on a consultancy basis.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Parts Retailer - Group 1 Toyota - Warrington

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Paddington, Warrington, Cheshire

Apprentice Parts Retailer - Group 1 Toyota - Burton on Trent

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Burton-On-Trent, Staffordshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Access to HE Diploma (Fashion Studies) Level 3 OCNLR

  • Provider: Morley College
  • Start date: 07 January 2026
  • Location: London

GCE AS Level in Design and Technology (Design Engineering / Fashion and Textiles / Product Design)

  • Provider: WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 01 September 2026
  • Location: WESTON SUPER MARE
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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