The day-to-day role of a visual merchandiser

The visual merchandiser puts the finishing touches to the grouping before adjusting the lighting, cleaning the window, and inspecting it from outside.

Depending on whether visual merchandisers work for a large department store, a multi-store retailer, or an independent boutique, they will be expected to manage and generally oversee the visual presentation of the windows and in-store displays. This will involve liaising with the buying teams to ascertain what has been bought and how best to promote it. As well as laying out complete floors of new-season merchandise, they will also be expected to set the overall retail standards for the store. Everyday tasks will include ensuring that the fixtures are replenished with the correct product and that the corresponding signage is present, as well as checking that the windows and in-store displays are still presentable, tidy, and well lit.

Large visual merchandising teams may designate specific roles for individuals to maximize their resources. Individual visual merchandisers working for smaller retailers may be expected not only to dress the windows but to arrange for the outside glass to be cleaned regularly. The responsibilities of visual merchandisers seldom stop solely at dressing mannequins.