Visual merchandiser

What does a Visual merchandiser do? – Tasks and work environment

A Visual merchandiser is responsible for creating inspiring and sales-oriented store environments that attract customers and drive sales. The role combines creativity with strategic planning, encompassing tasks such as designing shop windows and product displays, developing concepts for campaigns and seasonal themes. The work often involves close collaboration with store managers and marketing departments, and includes both practical and administrative elements. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, especially during campaign periods, and the workplace can range from large retail chains to smaller stores or department stores.

Salary development over time

The salary of a Visual merchandiser has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,300 SEK, rising to 39100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 41 100 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.3% over the three-year period. This positive trend can be partly explained by increased demand for visual concepts in retail and a growing focus on customer experience in physical stores. The salary increase also follows a general appreciation of creative roles, where skills in visual communication and digital tools are becoming increasingly important.

Visual merchandiser salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,200 SEK/month (woman, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 45,600 SEK/month (man, private employment, unspecified education level)
• Hourly wage: 247 SEK/hour
• Women's average salary: 40 200 SEK (91% of men's salary)
• Men's average salary: 44,400 SEK
• Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a Visual merchandiser, a high school education with a focus on aesthetics, design, or commerce is usually required, but many employers also seek post-secondary studies in visual communication, interior design, or similar fields. Practical experience from retail environments and understanding of commercial exposure are often advantageous. Several providers also offer specialized courses and certifications to strengthen professional skills.

• High school education: Business and Administration program or Aesthetic program (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: YH-education in visual merchandising, interior design, or related fields (1–2 years)
• Courses/certifications: Courses in store communication, digital tools, color, and form
• Internship: Internships or trainee positions in retail are highly recommended
• Prerequisites: Interest in design, color, and form, and a sense for commercial exposure

Common benefits and compensation

Most Visual merchandisers are offered benefits such as staff discounts, wellness allowances, and sometimes bonuses based on sales results. Other common compensations include flexible working hours, opportunities for skill development, and access to modern work tools. Occupational pension and insurance coverage are often included in employment terms.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a Visual merchandiser is intense, especially in larger cities and retail chains where demand for creative talent is high. Challenges in the profession often involve quickly adapting to new trends, changing customer behaviors, and seasonal variations. Digitalization and e-commerce have also introduced new demands, where the ability to work with digital tools and create holistic experiences in both physical and digital environments becomes increasingly important. Limited access to permanent positions may lead many to start with project-based or hourly employment before securing a permanent role.

Tips for aspiring Visual merchandisers

To succeed as a Visual merchandiser, it is beneficial to combine a strong sense of color and form with a structured work approach. Creativity is a key trait, but equally important is being solution-oriented and able to handle rapid changes in the store environment. Building a portfolio with personal projects or school assignments to showcase skills, actively seeking internships or part-time jobs in retail, and developing teamwork and communication skills are recommended. Attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently under pressure increase the chances of success in this profession.

Key facts about Visual merchandisers

• Education level: High school or YH-education recommended
• Work environment: Retail environment, often high pace and varied schedule
• Common employment type: Full-time or project-based, sometimes hourly
• Demand: Approximately 620 job openings within the profession (May 2024)
• Gender distribution: Women earn 91% of men's salary in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open up to take on greater responsibility, such as Visual merchandising manager, store communicator, or concept developer. Some choose to specialize in window dressing, digital visualization, or training store staff. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, there are no specific assessments for Visual merchandisers, but within related professions such as interior designers, decorators, and set designers, there were 620 job openings in spring 2024. Future prospects are influenced by retail development and digitalization, but the role is expected to remain important for creating attractive store environments and customer experiences.

Frequently asked questions about Visual merchandisers

• What does a Visual merchandiser earn?
  - A Visual merchandiser has an average salary of 41 100 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and employer.
• How does one become a Visual merchandiser?
  - Most commonly, a high school education with a focus on aesthetics or commerce, supplemented with post-secondary courses or YH-education in visual merchandising or interior design.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 91% of what men do in the profession.
• What are the job responsibilities of a Visual merchandiser?
  - The tasks include designing and displaying products, creating campaigns, and developing store environments to attract customers.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Prognoses show about 620 job openings within the profession, but no exact assessment is made by the Employment Service.
• What education is required?
  - Recommended is a high school education with supplementary courses or YH-education in a relevant field.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries?
  - The highest salary is 45,600 SEK and the lowest is 36,200 SEK per month depending on education, experience, and sector.