Fashion Merchandiser

How to Become a Fashion Merchandiser

Fashion merchandisers are some of the most powerful employees within an apparel company and often fill upper management positions. They must manage bottom line performance as well as personnel. Fashion merchandisers will often be responsible for determining the product direction that manufactures will take each year by analyzing market trends, production costs, and sales data. In a retail environment, fashion merchandisers will track consumer trends and the latest styles to determine store inventory and pricing. Fashion merchandisers are also responsible for tracking store profits and losses, creating displays, and maintaining the overall appearance of the store.

Fashion Merchandiser Education Requirements

While there are no standard education requirements for fashion merchandisers, job applicants who have earned degrees in fashion merchandising, or another related major, will have a good edge in this competitive industry. It is important for fashion merchandisers to be knowledgeable in visual merchandising, graphic design, fashion design, and marketing. Fashion merchandisers can learn on the job or in professional schools and degree programs.  Those who have earned degrees will be eligible for the best job opportunities, promotions and wages.

Job Outlook for Fashion Merchandisers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fashion merchandisers held approximately 529,000 jobs in 2006. Employment for fashion merchandisers is not expected to grow during the 2006 to 2016 period, as purchasing departments are consolidating and allowing merchandisers to work more efficiently. Graduates of a fashion merchandising bachelor’s degree program will be most likely to fill job positions within the field.

Job candidates will need to be talented, highly motivated, assertive and well educated. Salaries are very competitive within this industry, with median annual earnings for fashion merchandisers being reported at $81,570 in 2006.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition