Fashion Merchandising & Marketing Careers
Are you a person with fashion flair and a head for business? Do you somehow just know what the next big fashion trend will be? Can you intuitively combine divergent pieces of clothing to make a “jaw-dropping” ensemble for the display model in the storefront window? If so, a career in fashion merchandising and marketing may be for you.
What is a Fashion Merchandising and Marketing Career?
Fashion merchandising and marketing careers combine the exciting world of high (and low) fashion with business savvy. The people that work in this industry are expected to be able to forecast what type of apparel consumers will need before they need it and to make sure that the stores are properly stocked with that item. Many of these careers skills are grounded in a sound education with a degree in fashion merchandising.
But their methods of forecasting are not similar to that of a psychic. Rather, fashion merchandisers and marketers are informed forecasters. This means that they routinely attend fashion shows, keep abreast of all events and changes within the fashion industry, and even survey consumers about their fashion preferences.
Qualities of a Fashion Merchandiser and Marketer
Because this career combines style with business sense, a flair for fashion (alone) will not bring you success here. Rather, there are three primary (and divergent) skills that a fashion merchandiser and marketer must possess in order to succeed in this field.
- Forecasting ability. As stated above, the ability to forecast fashion trends is an essential part of this career. This takes a thorough knowledge of past future trends, current future trends (as represented by sometimes minute changes within the fashion industry) and an awareness of how the marketing of an item contributes to these fashion trends. Moreover, they must be able to keep enough ahead of these fashion trends in time to capitalize on them.
- Analytical ability. Fashion merchandisers and marketers must be able to analyze the “dollars and sense” part of their jobs. This means that they must keep abreast of the economy as a whole, the economy of their particular companies, and how certain styles will fit into a consumer’s budget. They must juggle a complex set of factors in ensure that they make a profit for their employers.
- Communication ability. Excellent communication skills are absolutely essential qualities to have in this field. They must be able to negotiate prices with manufacturers and sell their fashion choices to the public. To this end, they frequently write advertising copy, press releases, and even personalized letters to consumers. All of this takes skilled communication skills.
Fashion Merchandising and Marketing Job Duties
Because fashion merchandising and marketing careers are so complex, those that hold these positions perform a great variety of duties. Some of their job duties may include:
- Advertising of the fashions
- Performing market analyses of the fashion industry
- Attending fashion shows
- Managing fashion boutiques and stores
- “Dressing” up the display models in stores
Training for a Fashion Merchandising and Marketing Career
Many colleges and universities offer fashion merchandising and marketing degree programs. The training, however, varies widely. Experts recommend that, whatever school you attend, you should make sure that it offers you plenty of business courses such those in accounting and finance. You should also take a lot of computer courses. Finally, well-rounded training into fashion (and the fashion industry) is highly recommended. Some of your coursework may include subjects such as:
- Public relations
- Fashion layout
- Fashion Design
- Business skills
- Fashion Marketing
How Much Money will I Make?
As a beginning fashion merchandiser and marketer, you can expect to make approximately $30,000 per year. As your expertise increases, however, so will your income. The median income of this occupation is $50,000 per year. The most highly paid fashion merchandisers and marketers makes upwards of $80,000 per year.
