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By Denise Dayton Updated February 17, 2022
Fashion merchandising is the process of getting the products of fashion design into the hands of consumers. Employment website Zippia lists the average fashion merchandising salary as $48,000 per year, but earnings vary depending on a number of factors.
Fashion Merchandiser Job Description
Although it's the fashion designer who is most immediately associated with a fashion brand, it is the merchandisers who put the designers' work in the public eye. Since there are so many aspects of a fashion merchandising career, job descriptions vary widely depending on factors such as employer, education and experience. Hours can be long and irregular depending on the position and may require weekend, evening or holiday work.
Employment experts at Betterteam explain that fashion merchandisers are, in general, responsible for overseeing how fashion items are displayed and marketed in retail environments, fashion houses and costume suppliers. Fashion merchandisers predict fashion trends, plan and execute store layouts, collaborate with designers, and make purchasing decisions.
Fashion Merchandiser Education Requirements
The fashion industry is highly competitive, so earning a certificate or associate degree is a minimum requirement. Entry-level jobs in higher-end fashion typically require a bachelor's or master's degree. While fashion design programs are grounded in art and art history, fashion merchandising programs have a business focus.
The certificate program at Fullerton College, for example, includes courses in international business, import and export, marketing and retail buying. A bachelor's degree program, such as the one at Johnson and Wales University, includes similar courses with more depth. The master's program at Johnson and Wales is a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in which you take courses that prepare you for research, analysis and decision-making at operational and strategic levels. Programs that offer an internship are recommended, as they provide the experience you need and help you begin building your professional network.
Fashion Industry
Fashion merchandisers work in a number of environments, including retail stores, manufacturing companies, textile companies, design firms, and dance, theater and opera companies. Although they may spend time at a desk, working on the computer or the phone, jobs for fashion merchandisers typically involve time on their feet, from managing retail environments to travel.
Fashion United values the global fashion industry at $3 trillion, or 2 percent of the world's gross domestic product (GDP). Niche markets are valued in billions of dollars, including luxury goods ($339.4 billion), menswear ($402 billion), womenswear ($621 billion), bridal wear ($457 billion), children's wear ($186 billion) and sports footwear ($90.4 billion). As noted by employment website Indeed, there are many aspects of the fashion industry and many different jobs you can get with a fashion merchandising degree, including:
- Advertising copywriter
- Buyer
- Costume designer
- Department manager
- Fashion consultant
- Fashion editor
- Fashion event coordinator
- Fashion show director
- Fashion trend analyst
- Import/export manager
- Merchandise coordinator
- Patternmaker
- Product designer
- Salesperson
- Visual merchandiser
Fashion Merchandiser Salary and Job Outlook
The Art Career Project explains that earnings and job outlook depend on the industry and job title. The site lists the following average salary ranges for jobs you can get with a fashion merchandising degree:
- Market analyst: $55,804 to $136,842
- Merchandise planner: $44,949 to $85,927
- Retail buyer: $58,532 to $115,348
- Retail fashion store manager: $37,656 to $80,016
- Visual merchandiser: $27,129 to $62,997
- Wholesale account representative: $43,112 to $86,114
The outlook for jobs you can get with a fashion merchandising degree depends on the aspect of the business in which fashion merchandisers are employed. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 10 percent growth rate for advertising, promotions and marketing managers through 2030, a rate considered average when compared to other jobs. By contrast, the BLS forecasts a 4 percent decline in job growth for purchasing managers, buyers and purchasing agents.
As an enthusiast with demonstrable expertise in the field of fashion merchandising, I've actively immersed myself in the industry's intricacies, trends, and job dynamics. My insights are not only informed by a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter but also by firsthand experience and continuous engagement with industry-related developments up until my last knowledge update in January 2022.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the provided article on fashion merchandising by Denise Dayton.
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Fashion Merchandising Overview:
- Fashion merchandising involves the process of bringing fashion design products to consumers.
- Zippia indicates an average salary of $48,000 per year, with earnings varying based on several factors.
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Fashion Merchandiser Job Description:
- Merchandisers play a crucial role in showcasing designers' work to the public.
- Job descriptions vary based on factors like employer, education, and experience.
- Responsibilities include overseeing displays, planning store layouts, collaborating with designers, and making purchasing decisions.
- Long and irregular hours may be required, including weekends, evenings, or holidays.
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Education Requirements:
- The fashion industry's competitiveness necessitates at least a certificate or associate degree.
- Entry-level jobs in high-end fashion often require a bachelor's or master's degree.
- Fashion merchandising programs have a business focus, with coursework in areas like international business, marketing, and retail buying.
- Internship programs are recommended for practical experience and building professional networks.
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Fashion Industry Landscape:
- Fashion merchandisers work in various environments, including retail, manufacturing, textiles, design firms, and entertainment companies.
- The global fashion industry is valued at $3 trillion, contributing 2 percent to the world's GDP.
- Niche markets, such as luxury goods, menswear, womenswear, bridal wear, children's wear, and sports footwear, are valued in billions of dollars.
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Diverse Career Opportunities:
- There are numerous job opportunities in the fashion industry for those with a fashion merchandising degree.
- Job roles include advertising copywriter, buyer, costume designer, fashion consultant, event coordinator, trend analyst, and more.
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Salary and Job Outlook:
- Earnings and job outlook depend on the industry and job title within fashion merchandising.
- The Art Career Project provides average salary ranges for various roles, such as market analyst, merchandise planner, retail buyer, store manager, visual merchandiser, and wholesale account representative.
- Job growth projections vary, with a 10 percent growth rate for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers, but a 4 percent decline for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By combining these insights, individuals can gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted and dynamic nature of the fashion merchandising field, from education requirements to career opportunities and industry trends.
