In-Store Display Careers
In-store display careers (also called display window artists, visual merchandisers, or simply display artists) are part of a growing field in America. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this occupation will grow slightly faster than average, as retailers continue to employ them to create the “eye candy” that lures shoppers into their stores.
Job of an In-Store Display Associate
An in-store display career involves a lot of varied duties, all of them geared toward increasing a store’s traffic flow and, ultimately, its profit. To that end, in-store display associates may perform some or all of the following tasks:
- Dressing mannequins
- Building displays.
- Decorating the display window
- Creating sets throughout the store
- Taking down displays
- Finding or making appropriate props for the displays
- Creating the store’s layout of displays
But their jobs are not simply random creativity. No, they need to create their in-store displays to enhance the reputation or image of the store while, at the same time, increasing traffic to the store, which will (ideally) increase sales. This involves a knowledge of marketing procedures and business acumen to go with their design abilities.
In-store display associates create their designs in concert with marketing trends, store promotions, and seasonal events. They ply their trade in individual stores, corporate offices of store chains, trade shows, and fashion showrooms.
Educational Requirements
Although there are no educational requirements needed to become an in-store display associate, a degree is highly desirable in this competitive field. Some of the degree programs (certificate, diploma, associates, or bachelors) that will help you to succeed in this field include:
- Interior Design
- Graphic Design
- Fashion Design
- Fine Arts
- Visual Merchandising
Of the available degrees in this field, a bachelor’s degree is your best bet if you want to be able to advance in your career. In addition, you should try to choose a program that allows you to intern with experienced in-store display personnel for a period of time. This will give you the actual “hands on” experience that you will need to produce quality work from the very beginning of your career.
Skills Needed to be an In-Store Display Associate
Along with a college degree in one of the above fields, you should also possess the following qualification/qualities in order to be a good in-store display associate:
- Retail sales experience. Successful in-store display associates are conversant with consumer buying behavior. Experience in a retail sales environment is, therefore, very helpful to performing the job duties of an in-store display associate.
- Creativity and a proven ability for artistic expression
- Fashion industry and art design knowledge
- Design expertise
- Knowledge of lighting and interior design
Income for an In-Store Display Career
The salaries of in-store display associates vary widely. Their salaries range from $21,000 to $60,000, with the average being approximately $50,000. Typically, in-store display associates enter the field making between $21.000 and $32,000. An experienced in-store associate, however, can make upwards of $60,000.
Career Paths to Take
Some probable career paths for skilled in-store display associates include:
- Visual Merchandiser
- Visual Merchandising Director
- Visual Merchandising Assistant
- Visual Merchandising Coordinator
