Merchandise Displayers

Career summary

Merchandise displayers may also be called visual merchandisers or window trimmers.

Merchandise displayers create displays to attract attention to products for sale. They consult with the advertising or sales staff. They decide where displays will go and what merchandise will be featured. They create display plans, selecting a theme, lighting, colors, and props to be used.

Merchandise displayers may build an entire set or set up pre-made displays and booths. Displayers install finished displays on the store or trade show floor. They may install carpet and drapes. For window displays, they may decorate without using structures. Displayers also regularly rotate window and interior displays so that they get maximum exposure.

Merchandise displayers arrange the merchandise they want to feature in the display. They arrange furniture, props, and accessories, following their design sketches. They dress mannequins and place them in the display. They may use paint and makeup on mannequins. Displayers create and install decorations, such as banners and festive lights. They may make signs that provide information or prices. They place them in places that will highlight the merchandise.

Designers may use special software to design displays and create signs. They may collaborate with others for larger displays or events. They take photos of displays so that they have a visual record of them. They pack and store items and props used in displays.

Related careers

This career is part of the Marketing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Floral Designers
• Interior Designers
• Models
• Retail Salespeople
• Set and Exhibit Designers
• Shipping and Receiving Clerks
• Stock Clerks

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to merchandise displayers.

• Consult with advertising or sales staff. Decide display locations and merchandise to be featured.
• Think of design ideas for displays. Prepare sketches or floor plans.
• Make and place signs and prices, using computers, in appropriate places in displays.
• Select theme, lighting, colors, and props to be used.
• Erect pre-made displays or build displays from scratch. Use hand tools and woodworking power tools.
• Install booths, exhibits, displays, carpets, and drapes.
• Arrange props, furniture, merchandise, and accessories, according to design sketches.
• Dress mannequins for use in displays.
• Create and install decorations, such as banners and lights.
• Change or rotate window displays and interior display areas. Change signs.
• Take photos of signs and displays for records and for future ideas.
• Store, pack, and maintain props and display items.

Common work activities

Merchandise displayers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Think creatively
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Handle and move objects
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Evaluate information against standards
• Perform for or work with the public
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Develop and build teams
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Use computers
• Coach others
• Teach others
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, merchandise displayers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They often interact with the public when creating displays, and confer often with managers and supervisors.
• Communicate daily by telephone and face-to-face discussions.
• Often work as part of a team.
• May on occasion be placed in conflict situations in which others may become rude or angry.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of customers. Displays must not be hazardous in any way.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others, such as assistants.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors, but may also work outdoors.
• Are often exposed to contaminants, such as paint fumes.
• Are sometimes exposed to cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions.
• May have to stand on high places to complete work.
• Often work physically near others, especially customers.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact so that displays are appealing. Errors may cause displays to have an undesired effect.
• Make decisions that greatly impact a store's reputation. They often act independently when designing and setting up displays.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor.
• Work in a competitive atmosphere in which daily deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. Schedules are usually established.
• May work overtime to finish a display.
• May travel to trade shows.

Physical demands

Merchandise displayers frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Climb ladders, scaffolds, or poles.

It is important for merchandise displayers to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for merchandise displayers to be able to:

• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Merchandise displayers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Marketing

Other programs of study to consider

• Art and Fine Arts, General
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Training

To work as a merchandise displayer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Formal education is not required for merchandise displayers. However, some have training in art or design from a two-year professional school. These schools award certificates or associate degrees in design. Four-year colleges and universities grant the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. A liberal arts education is also a good background for this field. Courses in merchandising, psychology, and art could be helpful.

Work experience

A job in a retail store or as an artist is good preparation.

On-the-job training

Many merchandise displayers learn their skills on the job from experienced displayers. You usually start by carrying props, tearing down displays, and doing simple paintings. As you gain experience, you work on more difficult tasks. You construct backdrops, paint props, and select merchandise for display. You then move on to planning displays. Training may last up to a year.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Art
• Drawing and Painting
• Interior Design
• Stagecraft

Many merchandise displayers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Creativity is important in all design occupations. Employers look for merchandise displayers who have an eye for color and detail, and a sense of beauty and proportion. Sketching skills are helpful for many jobs. A good portfolio (a collection of a person's best work) is often the deciding factor in getting a job. In addition, many employers prefer applicants who are familiar with the use of the computer as a design tool. Some prefer applicants with formal design training.

Employers look for merchandise displayers who are imaginative and persistent. Employers need displayers who are familiar with marketing practices and quick to react to changing trends. Problem-solving skills and self-discipline are also important.

Workers who travel to different stores or sites to set up displays must have a valid state driver's license and a good driving record. They may also need to provide their own transportation.

Some employers transfer sales personnel who express an interest and demonstrate their display ability. However, due to long waiting lists, such transfers are not automatic. Some display workers may move into permanent positions through hard work as part-time, seasonal employees.

Tips

Courses in design and color composition are helpful. Activities in distributive education and working with theatrical staging may increase an individual's understanding of showmanship. Employers prefer enthusiastic candidates who show initiative. Experience in sales and familiarity with working in the department store environment may be helpful.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. Wages also vary based on the worker's experience and skills.

Benefits vary by employer. Full-time merchandise displayers usually receive typical benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Part-time workers usually do not receive benefits. In addition, those who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 24% of merchandise displayers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Department stores
• Advertising companies
• Clothing stores
• Grocery products wholesale sales companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will show little to no change. Internet shopping is growing more popular and department stores will turn to appealing merchandise displays to help bring back customers. The need for displays at conferences will also create demand.

Job openings occur as people leave the occupation.

Other resources

American Apparel and Footwear Association 
740 - 6th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.853.9080

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades 
7234 Parkway Drive
Hanover, MD 21076
410.564.5900

SHOP! Association 
4651 Sheridan Street, Suite 470
Hollywood, FL 33021

References

Career cluster

• Marketing

Career path

• Artistic

O*Net  occupation

• Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers (27-1026.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Decorator (298.381-010) 
• Displayer, Merchandise (298.081-010) 
• Manager, Display (142.031-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Artistic/Enterprising/Realistic

COPSystem

• Arts Skilled