2 answers
Ashley
Student
3
Questions
Updated
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Where do I start in becoming a fashion merchandiser?
I have a diploma in graphic design and web development. I am 35 and I worked in retail when I was younger. It would be great if I didn't have to go back to school, but I will go if it's the only way to get into this field. I am willing to get a retail job and work my way up.
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2 answers
Christine Foglio
Manager Talent Acquisition
16
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Hi Ashley,
Your background in graphic design is a fantastic starting point because you already have strong visual skills. Try exploring areas of merchandising that interest you, like buying, visual merchandising, trend analysis, or e-commerce. Look for courses related to your interests, keep up with industry trends, and create a sample portfolio, like a "lookbook."
It's important to build connections too! Attend events and reach out to merchandisers on LinkedIn. Starting as a visual merchandiser in a store can be a great way to use your graphic design skills. Your experience, creativity, and perspective are valuable, and each project or conversation brings you closer to the career you want.
Your background in graphic design is a fantastic starting point because you already have strong visual skills. Try exploring areas of merchandising that interest you, like buying, visual merchandising, trend analysis, or e-commerce. Look for courses related to your interests, keep up with industry trends, and create a sample portfolio, like a "lookbook."
It's important to build connections too! Attend events and reach out to merchandisers on LinkedIn. Starting as a visual merchandiser in a store can be a great way to use your graphic design skills. Your experience, creativity, and perspective are valuable, and each project or conversation brings you closer to the career you want.
Siva Kann
VP of Products & Technology
64
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Siva’s Answer
Hello Ashley,
You already have many of the skills needed to move into fashion merchandising. The key is to show how you think, not just what you have done.
Here are 3 simple steps to get in this space:
1. Build a simple, targeted portfolio: Before applying, create a small portfolio that demonstrates merchandising thinking using the examples below:
- Visual merchandising concepts (window displays, in-store layouts, etc.)
- Mock product assortments or seasonal collections
- Trend boards and mood boards
- E-commerce product page redesigns
- Sales or product analysis (why something sells vs doesn’t)
Setup your portfolio page and this doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to show commercial awareness, taste, and decision-making.
2. Roles you can start applying for now: These roles sit close to merchandising and are realistic entry points given your current background:
- Retail & Visual
- Visual Merchandising Associate
- Assistant Visual Merchandiser
- Retail Operations Associate
- Store Merchandising Coordinator
- E-commerce Merchandising Assistant
- Digital Merchandising Coordinator
- Product Content Specialist
- Online Merchandising Associate
- Assistant Buyer
- Buying Coordinator
- Merchandise Planning Assistant
- Allocations or Inventory Coordinator
Your design and web skills are a strong advantage here — many merchandisers don’t have them.
3. Learn on the job and grow intentionally, once you’re inside a company:
- Self-study fashion merchandising concepts alongside your role
- Pay attention to how product decisions are made
- Ask questions and learn the “why” behind sales, placement, and inventory
- Most importantly, say yes to stretch assignments.
- Help with seasonal planning
- Support photo shoots or product launches
- Assist buyers or merchandisers when opportunities come up
Growth in this field often comes from raising your hand, not waiting for permission.
Wish you the best!
You already have many of the skills needed to move into fashion merchandising. The key is to show how you think, not just what you have done.
Here are 3 simple steps to get in this space:
1. Build a simple, targeted portfolio: Before applying, create a small portfolio that demonstrates merchandising thinking using the examples below:
- Visual merchandising concepts (window displays, in-store layouts, etc.)
- Mock product assortments or seasonal collections
- Trend boards and mood boards
- E-commerce product page redesigns
- Sales or product analysis (why something sells vs doesn’t)
Setup your portfolio page and this doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to show commercial awareness, taste, and decision-making.
2. Roles you can start applying for now: These roles sit close to merchandising and are realistic entry points given your current background:
- Retail & Visual
- Visual Merchandising Associate
- Assistant Visual Merchandiser
- Retail Operations Associate
- Store Merchandising Coordinator
- E-commerce Merchandising Assistant
- Digital Merchandising Coordinator
- Product Content Specialist
- Online Merchandising Associate
- Assistant Buyer
- Buying Coordinator
- Merchandise Planning Assistant
- Allocations or Inventory Coordinator
Your design and web skills are a strong advantage here — many merchandisers don’t have them.
3. Learn on the job and grow intentionally, once you’re inside a company:
- Self-study fashion merchandising concepts alongside your role
- Pay attention to how product decisions are made
- Ask questions and learn the “why” behind sales, placement, and inventory
- Most importantly, say yes to stretch assignments.
- Help with seasonal planning
- Support photo shoots or product launches
- Assist buyers or merchandisers when opportunities come up
Growth in this field often comes from raising your hand, not waiting for permission.
Wish you the best!