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Sarah Manning

Visual Merchandising & Window Dressing training course has been specifically created to give you the knowledge to become a Visual Merchandising expert, transform your existing shop and enable you to upskill your retail sales team using current Visual Merchandising techniques which I have gained after 20 years industry experience in London.Perfect for Retailers or Students. I show you highly practical solutions for Visual Merchandising in today’s retail industry.There are over 40 videos covering the following subjects;

  • Visual Merchandising techniques
Read more

Visual Merchandising & Window Dressing training course has been specifically created to give you the knowledge to become a Visual Merchandising expert, transform your existing shop and enable you to upskill your retail sales team using current Visual Merchandising techniques which I have gained after 20 years industry experience in London.Perfect for Retailers or Students. I show you highly practical solutions for Visual Merchandising in today’s retail industry.There are over 40 videos covering the following subjects;

  • Visual Merchandising techniques
  • How to create an effective store window displays
  • Mannequin handling and dressing
  • The importance of great link selling
  • How to create effective store layouts which will help to encourage the customers flow around the store
Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Become a confident visual merchandiser when you understand the key display principles which are featured on the course.
  • Learn the most effective way to handle and dress mannequins.
  • Understand the principles needed to create an eye catching store window.
  • Gain a good understanding of how to create a “hot spot “or promotional area which can be linked to your store window.
  • Current vm techniques and how these can help to improve not only your profits but also create an inspiring shopping experience for your customer.
  • I will teach you the link selling techniques which i have used which have resulted in a 20-25% increase for my retailers.
  • Understand how to create an effective store layout which will help you to achieve great customer flow throughout your store.
  • For students: i will talk to you about the best ways to get into the visual merchandising industry.
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Understanding the basic principles of Display product grouping including; Symmetric, Asymmetric, Repetition and Alternation.
PART 1/4: Introduction
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Understanding the most popular and balanced key display principle, symmetric.

Understanding how to create and use an asymmetric display and the importance of this technique.

Understanding how to create and use a repetition display and the importance of using odd numbers within Visual Merchandising

Understanding how to create and use an alternation display and the importance of this technique

Understanding the effective use of colour and how to use this in a balanced fashion.

Understanding the effective use of lighting and where to focus your lighting within the window.

Understanding the effective use of placement of graphics/ point of sale within the window.

The importance of creating in store hot spots and/or promotional areas which are linked to your windows

Effective dressing and styling of Mannequins and Bust Forms

Key VM techniques explained when merchandising a product range.

Understand the principles of effective merchandising when dressing a table in store.

Discussing key points to remember when merchandising to create a more easy to shop sales floor for the customer.

Understand how to effectively create more link selling opportunities in store whilst merchandising an everyday product.

How to maximise your sales by creating impulse selling opportunities at key areas in store.

Understand how the key VM principles can be applied when merchandising ranges on a wall space.

Tips on creating and displaying consistent store ticketing and signage.

Understand what factors create an effective store layout, which will assist with the customer flow through the store.

Tips on how to create impulse selling opportunities towards to end of the customers shopping journey.

How to encourage customer flow to the rear of the store and into other typically quiet areas in store.

My recommended books for further reading on VM and my list of the prop companies regularly used in my

VM Consultancy Service.

Tips for creating a display grouping using Children's Toys & Accessories

Tips for creating a display grouping using Fashion Accessories

Tips for dressing and styling a male mannequin

Tips for dressing and styling a female mannequin

Additional tips for dressing and styling a female mannequin.

Understand what is effective visual merchandising

Tips on how to inspire customers by effective Visual Merchandising

Tips on creating great window displays

Learn what creates an eye catching window display in the eyes of the customer

Key points and reminders to have in mind when dressing a window display

Tips for smaller retailers with limited space

Tips for creating inspirational displays which will help to capture the customer’s imagination.

Key points and reminders to have in mind when merchandising on the sales floor

My recommended places on where to find current retail inspiration

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers visual merchandising techniques, which are essential for creating appealing and effective store layouts that enhance customer experience and drive sales
Explores the effective use of color, lighting, and signage, which are crucial elements in creating visually appealing and engaging window displays and in-store environments
Includes mannequin handling and dressing techniques, which are important for showcasing merchandise and attracting customer attention in a visually compelling way
Discusses link selling techniques, which can significantly increase sales by encouraging customers to purchase related items and creating a more comprehensive shopping experience
Teaches how to create 'hot spots' or promotional areas, which are effective for highlighting specific products and driving customer interest in featured merchandise
Offers advice on how to get into the visual merchandising industry, which is helpful for students seeking career opportunities in this field

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Reviews summary

Practical visual merchandising for retail success

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in visual merchandising techniques, delivered with practical insights derived from the instructor's extensive industry experience. Students particularly appreciate the actionable advice on creating effective store layouts, eye-catching window displays, and improving link selling opportunities. The course is seen as highly relevant for both retailers looking to improve sales and students entering the field, providing clear explanations and useful tips for real-world application.
Explains display principles, mannequins, lighting.
"The course covered the key display principles like Symmetric and Asymmetric clearly."
"Detailed guidance on handling and dressing mannequins was very useful."
"Learned about the importance of color, lighting, and signage in displays."
Provides a good introduction for aspiring VM.
"As a student, this course gave me a great overview of the visual merchandising industry and practices."
"The advice on getting into the industry and finding work experience was very helpful."
"A solid starting point for anyone considering a career in visual merchandising."
Benefits from instructor's real-world background.
"The instructor's 20 years of experience really comes through; the tips feel authentic."
"Valuable insights shared from a seasoned professional in London retail."
"Appreciated the real-life examples and perspective shared by the instructor."
Tailored content helps improve sales and layout.
"Perfect for small retailers like myself looking to enhance the customer experience and boost sales."
"The sections on store layout and link selling were particularly useful for my business."
"Gave me new ways to think about merchandising my products more effectively."
Offers hands-on techniques applicable immediately.
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
"Gave me immediate ideas I could implement in my shop window displays and store layout."
"Very practical advice throughout the modules on visual merchandising techniques."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Visual Merchandising Course For Retailers and Students with these activities:
Review Basic Color Theory
Ensure a solid understanding of color theory principles before diving into the course.
Browse courses on Color Theory
Show steps
  • Review online resources or textbooks on color theory.
  • Focus on color harmonies, color psychology, and color mixing.
  • Take a short quiz to test your knowledge.
Analyze Existing Retail Displays
Sharpen your eye for visual merchandising by analyzing real-world examples and identifying strengths and weaknesses.
Show steps
  • Visit local retail stores.
  • Take photos of window and in-store displays.
  • Write a brief critique of each display, noting what works well and what could be improved.
Read 'Visual Merchandising and Display' by Martin Pegler
Reinforce your understanding of visual merchandising principles by reading a comprehensive textbook.
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of 'Visual Merchandising and Display' by Martin Pegler.
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Design a Window Display Concept
Apply the principles learned in the course by designing a detailed concept for a retail window display.
Show steps
  • Choose a retail product or theme.
  • Sketch a window display concept, incorporating key VM principles.
  • Write a brief description of the concept, explaining the rationale behind the design.
Explore 'Retail Design' by Otto Riewoldt
Expand your understanding of retail design principles by exploring a book that covers store layout and customer flow.
View Retail Design on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Retail Design' by Otto Riewoldt.
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to store layout and customer flow.
  • Consider how these principles relate to visual merchandising.
Create a Visual Merchandising Portfolio
Showcase your skills and knowledge by creating a portfolio of visual merchandising projects.
Show steps
  • Gather examples of your visual merchandising work, including photos, sketches, and descriptions.
  • Organize your work into a professional-looking portfolio.
  • Write a brief introduction explaining your visual merchandising philosophy and skills.
Develop a Store Layout Plan
Apply your knowledge of customer flow and store layout by creating a plan for a retail space.
Show steps
  • Choose a retail store type and target customer.
  • Create a floor plan, considering customer flow and product placement.
  • Write a brief explanation of your layout choices.

Career center

Learners who complete Visual Merchandising Course For Retailers and Students will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Visual Merchandiser
A career as a Visual Merchandiser involves creating visually appealing displays in retail environments to attract customers and promote sales. A Visual Merchandiser arranges merchandise, designs window displays, and ensures the store layout is inviting and easy to navigate. This course on Visual Merchandising provides essential techniques for creating effective store layouts, window displays, and promotional areas. Through videos, learners gain insights into mannequin handling, link selling, and customer flow, enhancing their ability to create an inspiring shopping experience. This course may be particularly helpful for students seeking to enter this field.
Visual Presentation Manager
The Visual Presentation Manager is responsible for developing and executing visual merchandising strategies to enhance the customer experience and drive sales. A Visual Presentation Manager oversees the presentation of merchandise in stores, ensuring that displays are visually appealing and aligned with brand guidelines. This course may help a Visual Presentation Manager enhance their expertise with practical knowledge from the course's focus on visual merchandising techniques and creating effective store layouts. The principles learned will translate to a more inspiring shopping experience for customers.
Retail Display Coordinator
A Retail Display Coordinator is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing visual displays in retail stores to attract customers and boost sales. The Retail Display Coordinator ensures that displays align with brand standards and promotional campaigns. This Visual Merchandising course provides valuable knowledge on visual merchandising techniques and creating effective store window displays. The course helps with understanding customer flow, product grouping, and the impact of color and lighting, all of which will enhance skills in creating visually appealing and strategic retail displays. This course will be particularly useful for mastering the practical solutions needed in today's retail industry.
Window Dresser
The role of a Window Dresser involves designing and creating eye-catching window displays that attract customers and communicate a store's brand and message. A Window Dresser uses creativity and visual merchandising techniques to showcase products and create an appealing aesthetic. This course, with its focus on creating effective store window displays and visual merchandising techniques, provides an excellent foundation for this role. The videos on color, lighting, and display principles help one master the art of drawing customers in. This course may be especially helpful due to its practical solutions gained from 20 years of industry experience.
Display Designer
A Display Designer creates and implements eye-catching displays for various settings, including retail stores, trade shows, and events. This role requires creativity, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of visual merchandising principles. This course may help someone become a Display Designer by providing essential techniques for display design, mannequin handling, and creating effective promotional areas. The course will be especially useful for understanding the impact of color, lighting, and signage in creating compelling displays.
Store Manager
A Store Manager oversees the daily operations of a retail store, including managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maximizing sales. Understanding and implementing effective visual merchandising strategies is crucial for driving traffic and revenue. This course's comprehensive coverage of visual merchandising techniques, store layouts, and window displays will help a Store Manager to create an inviting and profitable shopping environment. The course's insights into customer flow and promotional areas will be invaluable for optimizing store performance. This course may be especially helpful due to its focus on practical solutions for the retail industry.
Retail Buyer
The Retail Buyer selects and purchases merchandise for retail stores, considering factors such as trends, customer preferences, and store budgets. Understanding visual merchandising helps a Retail Buyer make informed decisions about what products to purchase and how to present them effectively. This course may help a Retail Buyer understand the principles of product grouping, color coordination, and display techniques, which can inform their buying decisions and ensure that merchandise is presented in a way that maximizes sales. The insights into current visual merchandising techniques provide a valuable perspective for selecting items to create an inspiring shopping experience.
Retail Marketing Coordinator
A Retail Marketing Coordinator assists in the development and execution of marketing campaigns to promote retail sales and brand awareness. This role involves coordinating marketing activities, analyzing campaign performance, and supporting the overall marketing strategy. This course may help a Retail Marketing Coordinator gain a better understanding of visual merchandising techniques, which can inform marketing campaigns and ensure that promotional efforts are aligned with the visual presentation of the store. The course’s insights into creating effective store window displays and promotional areas can be leveraged to enhance marketing campaigns and drive traffic to the store.
Retail Sales Associate
A Retail Sales Associate helps customers, processes transactions, and maintains the appearance of the sales floor. While primarily focused on customer service and sales, understanding visual merchandising principles can enhance their effectiveness. This course helps a Retail Sales Associate improve the overall shopping experience by creating visually appealing displays and understanding customer flow. The link selling techniques taught in the course may increase sales, further enhancing performance as a Retail Sales Associate. This course may be especially useful for upskilling your retail sales team.
Brand Experience Manager
A Brand Experience Manager is responsible for creating and managing the overall customer experience across all touchpoints, including retail stores, online platforms, and marketing campaigns. This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and a passion for creating memorable brand interactions. This course may provide a Brand Experience Manager with valuable knowledge on visual merchandising techniques, store layouts, and customer flow. These insights can be leveraged to create a consistent and compelling brand experience in retail environments. The course’s emphasis on creating an inspiring shopping experience aligns perfectly with the goals of a Brand Experience Manager.
Space Planner
A Space Planner designs and optimizes interior spaces, including retail environments, to maximize functionality, aesthetics, and customer flow. This role requires a blend of creativity, technical knowledge, and an understanding of retail operations. This course may provide a Space Planner with insights into effective store layouts, customer flow, and the impact of visual merchandising on the shopping experience. The course’s emphasis on creating inspiring shopping experiences and understanding customer flow may inform space planning decisions, leading to more effective and customer-friendly retail spaces.
Exhibition Designer
An Exhibition Designer plans and designs displays for museums, galleries, and trade shows. The Exhibition Designer creates immersive and engaging environments that tell a story and captivate visitors. This course may help an Exhibition Designer by providing insights into visual merchandising techniques, display principles, and the use of color and lighting. Concepts around creating hot spots and promotional areas will translate to designing spaces that draw visitors in and highlight key exhibits. The course will inform decisions to create a more engaging experience.
Event Planner
An Event Planner organizes and executes events, such as conferences, weddings, and corporate gatherings. This role requires strong organizational skills, creativity, and the ability to manage logistics and budgets. This course may provide an Event Planner with insights into visual merchandising techniques, display principles, and the use of color and lighting. This course would inform event design and create visually appealing environments that captivate attendees. The course may be especially helpful due to the best ways to assist with getting into the visual merchandising industry.
Interior designer
An Interior Designer plans and designs interior spaces for residential, commercial, and retail environments. This role requires creativity, technical knowledge, and an understanding of design principles and building codes. This course may provide an Interior Designer with insights into visual merchandising techniques, display principles, and the use of color and lighting in retail settings. The course will inform design decisions and create visually appealing shopping environments. An advanced degree is typically required for this role.
Real Estate Stager
A Real Estate Stager prepares homes for sale by arranging furniture, decor, and accessories to create an appealing and inviting atmosphere. This role requires a strong sense of style, attention to detail, and an understanding of what appeals to potential buyers. This course would help a Real Estate Stager apply visual merchandising techniques to create compelling and marketable properties. The course may enhance staging skills and create spaces that attract buyers and increase property value. The material on creating a display of home accessories will be particularly relevant.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Visual Merchandising Course For Retailers and Students.
A widely recognized textbook in the field, this book offers a thorough exploration of visual merchandising principles and practices. It covers topics such as color, lighting, and signage, which are also addressed in the course syllabus. is particularly useful for students seeking a deeper understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of visual merchandising.
Explores the broader context of retail design, including store layout, customer flow, and branding. While not solely focused on visual merchandising, it provides valuable insights into how VM fits into the overall retail environment. It's a useful resource for understanding the strategic considerations behind visual merchandising decisions and how to create a cohesive and effective retail experience. This book is more valuable as additional reading.

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