Merchandise Displayers: Schools and Careers

Merchandise Displayers - Career Information

Merchandise displayers design and construct commercial displays in the windows and interiors of retail stores, trade exhibitions and other types of settings. The objective is to attract and entice customers. Merchandise displayers either create the concept or their employer or display manager provides an idea. In addition, they create backdrops and settings, using a variety of materials.

The majority of displays need to be changed every few weeks due to new promotions or changes in inventory. The occupation also includes participating in planning meetings to determine the types of merchandise to be shown and the locations for the displays.

Merchandise displayers need to be creative, artistic and have knowledge of color and composition in order to produce display that inspire shoppers to buy products. They also need to have mechanical abilities and good manual dexterity.

Responsibilities

• Create ideas for displays
• Plan and construct backdrops and settings
• Arrange merchandise, furniture and mannequins and accessories for displays based on drawings
• Make changes on mannequin faces and also dress them
• Maintaining and inspecting props and mannequins
• Place descriptive signs
• Place price tags
• Discuss plans with clients or display managers
• Take photographs of displays and signs
• Create lighting and sometimes sound effects

Job Characteristics

They typically work in comfortable retail stores. Carrying equipment and climbing up ladders and standing for long periods of time are parts of the profession. Knowledge of the principles of promoting, showing and selling products are important aspects of the job. They should also be good at time management.

Many merchandise displayers work for retail stores, however some are self-employed and work for various stores. The majority of merchandise displayers work from 35 to 40 hours per week. They may be required to work additional hours during the busy shopping periods of the year.

Employment Outlook

In 2006, there were about 87,000 merchandise displayers jobs. Employment opportunities for merchandise displayers is expected to grow at the average rate for all other types of jobs from 2006 through 2016. However, changes in the economy will effect the growth rate for the profession. Stores often reduce their staff or stop hiring merchandise displayers when profits decline. The best opportunities for employment will be with large retail stores and stores situated in large metropolitan areas.

Merchandise Display Training

Typically, employers require merchandise displayers to have at least a high school diploma. Employers often prefer hiring those that have completed coursework in interior decorating, design and visual communications, merchandising, fashion merchandising, art, advertising and mechanical drawing. Some employers may require a bachelor's or an associate degree. In addition, those that are self-employed in the profession need a portfolio which features their best designs.

Merchandise displayers receive on-the-job training. They typically begin their career with simple tasks such as dismantling sets and moving props. After they gain some experience, they may be given the opportunity of creating a display or constructing complicated displays.

Resources

• Institute of Store Planners
• National Retail Federation

Major Employers

Retail store chains, large retail stores and trade exhibitions are the primary employers of merchandise displayers.

Schools for Merchandise Displayers are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Merchandise Displayers by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Merchandise Displayers, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.