Becoming a Fashion Merchandiser

Fashion merchandiser performs the task of purchasing lines of apparel, shoes and accessories that will be sold in a retail establishment or chain, then promotes them directly to consumers by creating attractive and stylish displays. Like the fashion marketer, the fashion merchandiser must stay on top of trends, styles and consumer desires.

Education, Training & Degrees for Fashion Merchandisers

Educational requirements usually vary depending on the size and type of the retail establishment. In larger stores and chains, a bachelor's degree in marketing is often a requirement. Larger stores and chain stores will place a greater emphasis on formal training, preferring applicants with a bachelor's or master's degree in business, sales, or economics. A master's degree, often an MBA (Master of Business Administration) is essential for advancement to top-level managerial jobs and key positions in larger chains.

There are a number of colleges and private institutes that offer undergraduate as well as postgraduate degrees and diplomas in business, sales and fashion marketing. Many of these also offer bachelor's and master's degree programs online, which is an excellent option for working professionals to earn a degree.

Job Responsibilities and Desired Skills for Fashion Merchandisers

The emphasis on constant novelty in fashion requires that one of the key tasks of a fashion merchandiser is to stay on top of fashion trends.

The fashion merchandiser most often works for a retail establishment. Many entry-level employees in this field begin their career by selling merchandise, supervising sales workers, checking invoices, and keeping track of stock. They will find great value in understanding other facets of the fashion industry, however, including fashion design and fashion marketing, as they will frequently be communicating and negotiating with fashion marketing personnel.

In addition to technical marketing skills and knowledge of fashion and the fashion industry, successful fashion merchandisers will understand the psychology and mystique of brands: how and why certain brands sell, who the target customers are for specific brands and products, and how to build a brand and a buzz that will inspire consumers to consider that brand indispensable, even when they have to pay more for merchandise that carries that brand. They will be adept at creating attractive displays of the latest hot fashions and accessories, and will change them frequently.

To succeed in an industry as challenging, dynamic and competitive as fashion, a fashion merchandiser should excel in such skills as trend spotting, communication, strategic thinking, eye-catching display design, and promotion.

Fashion Merchandiser Salary Range and Employment Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that employment opportunities for fashion marketers are expected to experience rapid growth well into the next decade. This is due to an increased focus on fashion brands as well as the rise in popularity of such fashion-related television shows as "Project Runway, "America's Next Top Model," "What Not to Wear," "Fashion Police" and "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." However, employment opportunities are expected to be best for individuals who possess a bachelor's or master's degree in marketing with fashion as a specialization, and for those with relevant job experience.

Figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that the median annual salary of fashion marketers in 2004 was $90,450. This figure varies widely, however, depending on the location of employment as well as on the fashion marketer's academic qualification, relevant work experience and previous marketing campaign success.