Career as Fashion Merchandiser

The exact salary a person gets in the Fashion Merchandising industry depends on the job title held by him/her. There are numerous roles in Fashion Merchandising, which we have enlisted below with the average salary offered and the corresponding top companies:

There will be a 1-2 % decline seen for the buyers and purchase managers in the upcoming period. Approximately 9% increase in demand can be experienced by those having a job role in advertising, marketing, and promotions which is on the higher end with respect to all the jobs combined. If you are still a student and intend to pursue this as your career, you need to try getting into the field which has relevance to your area of specialization, in order to remain in demand. On average, a person needs the experience of 4-5 years to become successful in his career. In order to reach there faster, one can opt for internships under reputed companies which will serve as an experience for them and help them in grabbing the best opportunities in the industry.

Pros:

• A flexible schedule can be followed when you are self-employed.

• Today, there are online business opportunities that cut the physical setup cost and remain open 24/7.

Cons:

• The competition in the industry is stiff.

• It is difficult to win the trust of customers.

• There are technical issues that need to be dealt with when you are running an online business.

Fashion Merchandising involves degrees that include the business of fashion and design. There are numerous career options open to you after completion of a two or 4-year college degree. This includes a career as a fashion designer, retail buyer or Fashion Merchandiser. Let us see the courses available in Fashion Merchandising:

1. B.A. in Fashion Merchandising and Production: This postgraduate course is a 3-year program in which you will get to learn the basic requirements to become a successful Fashion Merchandiser. Innovative ways of mastering fashion can be learned by challenging clothing through technology. Training is provided regarding the theoretical and applied aspects of textiles, apparel production, and management of supply chain, merchandising of apparel and designing dresses.

2. Associate degree in Fashion Merchandising: This is a 2-year course which is suitable for those who are interested in the latest fashion trends. With this degree, you can get an entry-level position in the industry. Basic skills required in buying, retailing, merchandising and the process through which apparel is brought to retail outlets from the manufacturers, can be learned in this course. A graduate can study further after this or else get a chance to start an entry-level position in the fashion or retail sector.

3. Master’s degree in Fashion Merchandising: This is a 2-year course which is suitable for someone who intends to pursue fashion in business. Anyone experienced in the fashion or retail industry and with a bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising can apply for this. Also, one has to submit a previous work portfolio, GRE score and letter of recommendation to get admission. The aspirants are taught about the skills required in the business and the marketing principles which help them become a retailer, purchaser or buyer in the same industry.

In this program, you can learn about fashion design, textiles, and rising trends, with specialization options such as global manufacturing and merchandising.

The exact fees of the undergraduate course and a master's degree in Fashion Merchandising vary from one institute to another. On average, the associate degree or the undergraduate course of this program costs around Rs 4 Lakh and the postgraduate courses need an average fee of Rs 5 Lakh.  

Here is the list of a few top colleges in India where you can opt for courses to pursue Fashion Merchandising as your career:

1. Fashion Retailing: From Managing to Merchandising--Dimitri Koumbis

2. Merchandising Mathematics for Retailing (Fashion)--Cynthia R Easterling and Ellen L Flottman

3. Fashion Merchandising: Principles and Practice-James Clark

4. "Visual Merchandising: Windows and in-store displays for retail"-- Tony Morgan

1. Fashion Designing: If you feel that Fashion Merchandising is not suitable for you, but you have good creativity, then you can opt to become a Fashion Designer where you will be responsible for creating new lines of clothing, footwear, and other accessories. It is different from Merchandising in the sense that the former needs more creative skills and the latter needs more business skills. You will be involved in sketching, drawing, choosing the fabrics, colour, and styles for various projects.

2. Fashion Modelling: In this case, you need to pose for the artists for various brands and products which will be used for advertising in different mediums. This specifically does not require you to have some degree.

3. Graphic Designers: They work more on computers to create compelling images that are used in brochures and websites to attract buyers.