Fashion merchandising entails strategizing, identifying the right product mix in apt quantities, presenting it to the right target audience, in the appropriate market at an opportune time, at the right price to improve sales and revenue by employing the right promotion activities like impactful advertising, attractive displays, sampling, on-spot demonstration, shelf-talkers, and other point-of-sale methods. Furthermore, merchandising also is affected by:
- Season & Climate
- CultureÂ
- Choice of retailer
- Available spaceÂ
- Type of merchandise being sold
Besides clothing and apparel, fashion merchandisers also create and sell cosmetics, accessories, jewelry, and shoes.
Skills required:
- Quantitative skills: Capability to identify the relationship between sales and stock figures is a must of Fashion merchandisers. He must have a pulse of the market trends and should be able to predict consumer tastes, wants, and behavior with an aim to maximize sales and hence revenues.Â
- Attention to detail: Â Keen eye for detail so as to be conscious about upcoming trends in the market as well as product qualities will be responsible for success in the market.
- Communication & interpersonal skills will assist in clear communication of concepts to ensure not only client approval but also proper execution. Besides this, you will be required to interact with stakeholders and vendors so as to make professional connections and network for additional business.Â
- Creativity:Â Creativity and artistic skill are required to be constantly innovative so as to bring freshness to attract customers and stand apart from the competition.
- Confidence to take right decisions
- Organizational skills to handle multiple jobsÂ
Qualifications required:
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- Graduation Level:Â In order to be eligible for a fashion merchandising course at a graduation level, you will be required to clear your class 12th in any stream from a recognized board. The eligible candidates will be shortlisted for admission on basis of the clearing of the entrance test and interview.Â
- Post-Graduation level: To do a master’s, you need to have completed your graduation with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized University in any stream. The eligible candidates will be shortlisted for admission based on the clearing of the entrance test and interview.
- Non-Exam Pathway: Only those students will be exempted from the written test, who have a valid score in MAT/CMAT/GMAT/XAT/CMAT/NMAT 2021/2022 exams. He’ll be directly called for a Personal Interview.Â
Fashion merchandising course: Colleges offering fashion merchandising courses must ensure:
- The college must be accredited and should offer certification that is recognized at domestic as well as international marketsÂ
- The curriculum must inspire students to be courageous so that they can come up with innovative concepts. Â
- College must offer a comprehensive placement program besides ensuring exposure via experiential learning through industry-oriented programs, live projects, and internships as well as participating in competitions.Â
- Regular interaction with industry experts ensures students’ understanding of the Fashion Eco System as well as getting a diverse perspective.
- The college must ensure competencies in updated software, techniques as well as technology.
- The curriculum should equip students with an understanding of researching techniques, available materials, and emerging Fashion, Lifestyle & Luxury markets.Â
So just register immediately for a great career in fashion merchandising.Â