Merchandise Displayer
A Merchandise Displayer, also known as a visual merchandiser or display artist, plays a crucial role in retail by creating visually appealing product displays that attract customers and boost sales. Working primarily in department stores, boutiques, and various retail environments, these professionals are responsible for dressing mannequins, decorating windows, and designing thematic displays for products ranging from clothing to home furnishings. Their work often requires creativity, artistic ability, and resourcefulness, as they draw inspiration from current trends, seasonal themes, and cultural events.
Most Merchandise Displayers work full-time, and their duties can include assembling displays, sketching design ideas, selecting props, and coordinating lighting and multimedia elements. They typically operate in comfortable settings but may face risks associated with working at heights or using tools. A high school diploma is a minimum requirement, and many aspiring displayers benefit from postsecondary education in fields like visual merchandising, fashion design, or art. The occupation has a median yearly salary of approximately $39,040 and is expected to grow at an average rate, reflecting a steady demand for creative professionals in the retail sector.
Merchandise Displayer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Marketing, Sales & Service
Interests: Advertising, marketing, fashion and design, decorating, construction and assembly, product display
Earnings (Yearly Median): $39,040
Employment & Outlook: 1.7% (As fast as average)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Merchandise displayers, visual merchandisers, display artists, and window dressers work primarily in retail establishments where they dress mannequins, decorate windows, and create various other visually attractive product displays. Some specialize in a particular product or department, such as home furnishings or clothing fashions. They also create displays for businesses, such as hotels, grocery stores, and travel agencies, as well as for trade shows and other special events. While their work may be admired for its creativity, the goal is to increase sales or attract customers in the case of window displays.
Work Environment. Merchandise displayers work on-site in department stores, boutiques, and other retail outlets. Some travel between stores if employed by a chain or from one business to another if self-employed or employed by a design or marketing firm. Part of their time may be spent in workshops, where they assemble and paint various display props. In smaller stores, they tend to work alone or with a partner, while in large chains and department stores, they work on a team. Full-time employees typically work about forty hours a week, including some night and weekend hours. Overtime hours may be occasionally necessary to meet project deadlines.
Occupation Interest. The work performed by merchandise displayers attracts creative, detail-oriented people interested in market research or sales. They may stop to admire how a mannequin is posed or a colorfully set table. They keep up with fashion trends and advertising and view consumer goods as a way to make a statement. Creativity and artistic ability are among the most critical skills for this position. Merchandise displayers must be resourceful, physically fit enough to lift mannequins and display materials, well organized, and able to meet deadlines.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Merchandise displayers usually accent the newest or older products that need an extra boost. In larger stores and chains, they might assemble displays based on guidelines or plans devised by their managers or a team of professionals. In other cases, displayers have complete creative control. They often begin by sketching an idea on paper or in a design program. While seasonal and holiday themes drive many designs,they also they also glean inspiration from current events, fads, popular leisure activities, and many other sources. In general, displays should not only be eye-catching but also accurately reflect the ambiance of the store.
The merchandise displayer selects suitable mannequins to promote fashion, dresses them in clothing and accessories, applies wigs and makeup, and situates them in appealing poses. They might also create mini-theatrical sets with furniture, props, and backgrounds. Merchandise displayers assemble stands and props from kits, build them from scratch, or obtain items from used furniture stores or elsewhere. They choose the lighting and, in some cases, audio or multimedia components. Some also create graphic designs for the backgrounds.
Those displayers who help sell home furnishings will typically dress beds, coordinate table settings, and arrange towels, pillows, and other merchandise in striking, colorful displays.
Merchandise displayers also hang products from ceilings, decorate for holidays, and arrange displays for mall courtyards, trade shows, special events, and other occasions.
They also dismantle displays, maintain inventories, and order supplies when needed.
Decorators (298.381-010). Decorators prepare and install decorations and displays from blueprints or drawings for trade and industrial shows, expositions, festivals, and other special events.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Merchandise displayers typically work in comfortable environments. They are at a slight risk for injuries related to climbing ladders, using various hand and power tools, kneeling, bending, and working in awkward positions. Paint and other art supplies could pose a health risk if not adequately ventilated.
Human Environment. Merchandise displayers report to a supervisor or manager and might supervise assistants. They interact with other merchandise displayers and/or sales associates and sometimes collaborate with graphic designers, marketing experts, and merchandising teams.
Technological Environment. Merchandise displayers use various hand and power tools to build props, including saws, sanders, hammers, staple guns, and painting tools. Display equipment might include audio systems and various types of lighting. Irons are used for clothing and textiles. Some merchandise displayers might also use illustration, design, and layout computer software like Adobe Creative Cloud software or Trimble SketchUp Pro.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A high school diploma is required. Students should take a well-rounded academic program with electives in arts and crafts, computer design, drafting, or woodworking, and if offered, interior decorating, consumer education, or fashion design. Business math and geometry will provide the mathematical skills necessary for budgeting and planning displays. At the same time, English and other related courses will teach written and oral communication skills essential for relating with associates and promoting design ideas. Experience building theatrical sets, staging fashion shows, or other extracurricular activities, and seasonal or part-time employment in retail stores will also provide a good foundation.
Postsecondary. Most merchandise displayers learn on the job, although employers today also typically expect some postsecondary coursework and, sometimes, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. While visual merchandising and fashion merchandising are the programs most closely related to merchandise display, other desirable majors include art, interior decorating, and graphic design. Retail management, marketing, and business, with electives or a minor in art or visual merchandising, are also helpful, especially for those with management or self-employment goals. Students should include psychology courses as well. An internship can provide excellent hands-on experience. Apprenticeship programs for merchandise displayers may also provide hands-on experience when available.
Related Occupations
− Commercial Artist
− Designer
− Florist
Bibliography
“Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail: Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 24 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm#. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Merchandise Displayers & Window Trimmers." My Next Move, 2024, www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/27-1026.00. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers." ONET Online US Department of Labor, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-1026.00. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 27-1026 Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/CURRENT/oes271026.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.