Visual Merchandising and Category Management Jobs

The short version

Two behind-the-scenes retail careers decide what customers see and what they can buy. Visual merchandisers shape the store's look. Category managers decide which products to stock, at what price, and how to promote them.

Visual merchandising

• Plans window displays, layouts and signage
• Arranges products so customers find and notice them
• Follows brand guidelines and seasonal themes
• Checks displays across stores for consistency

Skills for visual merchandisers

• Creativity and a sense of colour, space and lighting
• Basic design tools and drawing skills
• Understanding of customer flow
• Hands-on teamwork and time management

Category management

1. Study sales data and customer demand for a product group.
2. Select suppliers and negotiate terms.
3. Plan the range, prices and promotions.
4. Plan stock levels with the supply chain team.
5. Review results and adjust the plan.

Skills for category managers

• Strong Excel and data analysis
• Negotiation and relationship skills
• Understanding of margins and pricing
• Market awareness

Paths in

Design, fashion and fine-arts graduates move into visual merchandising. Commerce, management and analytics people move into category roles. Both often start from store or operations experience and grow with a portfolio of results.

Next step

Register on JobKarle and apply to merchandising and category roles.