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Fashion Merchandising



Fashion merchandising is the little understood, but highly necessary side of the fashion industry world. While fashion designers take the spotlight in the fashion world; it is fashion merchandisers who sell their designs to the mass public.

What is Fashion Merchandising?

Fashion merchandising consists of all of the activities that are necessary to bring fashion apparel and accessories to the public. It involves giving customers what they want to buy when and where they want to buy it at prices that they are willing to pay. Fashion merchandising entails:
  • Understanding the customer

  • Selecting merchandise to sell

  • Promoting goods to potential customers.

The term fashion merchandising is normally used for apparel for men, women and children, in addition to home fashions, cosmetics and fragrances.

Degrees in Fashion Merchandising

There are many different career paths for individuals interested in fashion merchandising. The first step is getting an Associate or Bachelor Degree in Fashion Merchandising from an accredited college or degree program. It must be noted that since the fashion design and merchandising is a desirable industry right now, there is the chance of encountering scam schools that are trying to take advantage of people's interest in this career field.

Degree programs in Fashion Merchandising will prepare students to:
  • Forecast fashion trends

  • Promote new styles of clothing to customers

  • Operate within a budget

  • Select appropriate apparel for different types of people

  • Put customers in the right mood to buy.

Careers in Fashion Merchandising

Individuals who get a degree in fashion merchandising have several options upon graduation. Many choose to get involved in the retail world by becoming an assistant buyer for a department or specialty store. Other retail jobs include being a buyer, department manager or a visual merchandiser. A visual merchandiser is responsible for setting up the sales floor and product displays.

Graduates can also work on the production end of the fashion world by being manufacturer's representatives and being involved in wholesale sales. Some fashion-merchandising graduates may have an interest in studying market trends. In these cases, careers as merchandising analysts and market researchers are attractive. Finally, fashion merchandising degrees can be worked into a career as a boutique owner. Individuals who are enthusiastic about fashion and wish to own their own business can use their talents to bring quality apparel to shoppers.

By Courtney Ramirez           


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