Visual Merchandising Manager Resume Guide

Visual merchandising managers plan and execute visual displays to promote a product, brand or store. They collaborate with marketing teams to create effective strategies that draw in customers, take inventory of merchandise and adjust the display accordingly. Additionally, they are responsible for training staff on proper techniques when setting up displays as well as overseeing maintenance tasks such as cleaning and restocking shelves.

Your eye for design and knack for creating beautiful displays make you an ideal candidate to be a visual merchandising manager. To get the recognition you deserve, write a resume that captures your unique talents and experience.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.

Visual Merchandising Manager Resume

Table of Contents

The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.

Visual Merchandising Manager Resume Sample

Crystal Kemmer
Visual Merchandising Manager

[email protected]
048-044-0614
linkedin.com/in/crystal-kemmer

Summary

Enthusiastic visual merchandising manager with 8+ years of experience in creating and executing successful strategies for retail stores. Achieved a 20% increase in sales by leveraging an effective floor plan strategy at XYZ Store. Proven record of driving customer engagement through creative window displays, store layout designs, and product placements across various locations. Adept at working collaboratively within cross-functional teams to ensure the success of all projects.

Experience

Visual Merchandising Manager, Employer A
Gilbert, Jan 2018 – Present

  • Maximized retail store profitability by visual merchandising display designs that increased sales revenue by $5,000 in the last quarter.
  • Facilitated window and interior displays of over 500 products per month, using creativity to create eye-catching layouts while utilizing available space effectively.
  • Implemented innovative techniques such as color blocking and lighting effects to ensure merchandise stands out among competitors; customer feedback indicated a 15% increase in product recognition after new visuals were implemented.
  • Diligently analyzed customer buying patterns to identify areas where visual improvements should be made; successfully launched 3 reorganized product displays resulting in an overall 16% lift in purchases during peak shopping season period.
  • Reorganized existing fixtures, signage and decorations on a weekly basis according to brand guidelines for optimal aesthetic appeal at all times; ensured compliance with health & safety regulations when handling equipment or rearranging items on shelves/racks etc.

Visual Merchandising Manager, Employer B
Sioux Falls, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017

  • Presented merchandise in an aesthetically-pleasing manner, using creative window displays and product placements to maximize customer visibility; increased store sales by 15% over 6 months.
  • Monitored current trends in fashion, home décor and other lifestyle industries to ensure that visual merchandising strategies were up-to-date with evolving consumer tastes.
  • Analyzed monthly market reports of competitors’ display techniques to adjust own plans accordingly, resulting in a 25% increase of retail visits year on year.
  • Actively collaborated with the marketing team and external vendors for promotional campaigns, arranging merchandise according to seasonal themes while ensuring brand consistency across all stores nationwide.
  • Improved layout designs based on feedback from customers and staff members through surveys; established new floor plans which cut restocking hours by 10%.

Skills

  • Visual Merchandising
  • Merchandising
  • Fashion
  • Styling
  • Apparel
  • Store Management
  • Retail Sales
  • Window Displays
  • Time Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Merchandising
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

Certifications

Certified Visual Merchandising Professional
Visual Merchandising and Design
May 2017

1. Summary / Objective

Your resume summary should be a brief, but compelling introduction to your professional experience as a visual merchandising manager. In this section you can highlight the skills and accomplishments that make you stand out from other candidates. For example, mention how many years of experience in retail/visual merchandising you have; any awards or recognition for excellence in design; and the innovative strategies you implemented to increase sales at previous companies.

Below are some resume summary examples:

Diligent visual merchandising manager with 8+ years of experience in retail, hospitality, and corporate settings. Proven success increasing sales by 15% through creative visual displays that reflect the company’s message. Skilled at developing effective strategies to drive customer engagement and brand loyalty while ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations. Motivated team leader committed to providing a superior customer service experience.

Amicable and organized visual merchandising manager with 5+ years of experience in retail display, store layout design, and product placement. At XYZ Clothing Store, increased sales by 20% through effective window displays that attracted customers’ attention. Developed comprehensive training programs for new employees to ensure compliance with corporate standards. Dedicated to providing excellent customer service while driving bottom-line results.

Reliable and creative visual merchandising manager with 8+ years of experience in the retail industry. Proven track record for designing and implementing innovative displays that increase sales, drive customer engagement and boost brand awareness. Looking to join ABC Retail as a Visual Merchandising Manager where my expertise can be used to create impactful store experiences that promote product visibility and consumer satisfaction.

Energetic and creative visual merchandising manager with 10+ years of experience in crafting and executing eye-catching displays that maximize customer engagement. Seeking to join ABC Retail as the next Visual Merchandising Manager, where I can utilize my strong skillset in design, planning, and execution to drive sales growth. Proven success creating visually stimulating window displays resulting in a 15% increase in store traffic.

Accomplished visual merchandising manager with 10+ years of experience driving retail sales growth through creative displays and visual storytelling. Proven track record in creating innovative window and interior displays that capture attention, promote brand identity, and boost customer engagement. At XYZ Stores, successfully developed a new seasonal display strategy resulting in an 18% increase in store traffic over 4 months.

Well-rounded visual merchandising manager with 8+ years of experience creating eye-catching store displays that attract customers and promote sales. Proven track record of meeting tight deadlines while maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction, resulting in up to 20% increase in overall sales at ABC Store locations. Seeking to bring my skillset and knowledge to the next level by joining XYZ as Visual Merchandising Manager.

Driven Visual Merchandising Manager with 8+ years of experience creating and managing the visual presentation of retail stores. Skilled in understanding customer needs, determining merchandise placement, and developing innovative solutions to increase sales. Seeking a position at ABC Company to utilize my leadership skills to create an unforgettable shopping experience for customers.

Determined visual merchandising manager with 8+ years of experience in creating and implementing innovative retail store designs. Specialized in developing creative strategies to maximize customer engagement and increase sales. At ABC, successfully managed the implementation of a new window display that resulted in an 18% spike in foot traffic over 3 months.

2. Experience / Employment

For the experience section, you want to provide details on your work history. This should be written in reverse chronological order, meaning the most recent job is listed first.

Stick to bullet points when describing what you did; this makes it easier for the reader to take in all of the information quickly and efficiently. Make sure that each point includes detail about what you did as well as any quantifiable results obtained from your efforts.

For example, instead of saying “Increased sales,” say something like, “Developed a new visual merchandising strategy which resulted in an 8% increase in weekly sales.”

To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:

  • Designed
  • Coordinated
  • Executed
  • Monitored
  • Analyzed
  • Developed
  • Implemented
  • Merchandised
  • Displayed
  • Managed
  • Assessed
  • Maximized
  • Researched
  • Planned
  • Supervised

Other general verbs you can use are:

  • Achieved
  • Advised
  • Compiled
  • Demonstrated
  • Expedited
  • Facilitated
  • Formulated
  • Improved
  • Introduced
  • Mentored
  • Optimized
  • Participated
  • Prepared
  • Presented
  • Reduced
  • Reorganized
  • Represented
  • Revised
  • Spearheaded
  • Streamlined
  • Structured
  • Utilized

Below are some example bullet points:

  • Developed and implemented comprehensive visual merchandising strategies for 10+ retail stores, increasing product sales by 25% year-over-year.
  • Structured store layouts to maximize customer foot traffic and optimize the visibility of merchandise; allocated 500+ products in a strategically planned manner, resulting in increased revenue per square foot by 15%.
  • Represented company identity through aesthetically pleasing displays that maximized brand awareness while driving consumer engagement with products; generated $50K worth of additional sales within 6 months.
  • Expedited new product launches across multiple stores via creative window designs which showcased the latest trends, boosting overall profits by 35%.
  • Efficiently managed inventory levels across various departments to ensure all shelves were stocked at all times and restocked when necessary; reduced out-of stock incidents from 20% down to 5%.
  • Designed and implemented innovative visual merchandising strategies across 7 store locations, increasing in-store sales by 25% within 3 months.
  • Advised store managers on how to effectively display merchandise and create an inviting shopping atmosphere; trained 50+ employees in proper visual merchandising techniques.
  • Competently arranged window displays using eye-catching props & mannequins that appealed to customers’ senses of sight, smell and touch; increased foot traffic by 30%.
  • Optimized product placement for maximum visibility according to customer demographic data analysis, resulting in a 20% increase in impulse purchases from shoppers each month.
  • Revised the existing planograms based on seasonal changes and new products arrivals, ensuring all departments were accurately represented at all times with up-to-date visuals throughout the stores.
  • Merchandised store displays, window fronts & in-store visuals to create an attractive shopping environment that drove sales and increased customer engagement by 40%.
  • Prepared detailed visual merchandising plans for seasonal campaigns and marketing initiatives, resulting in a 20% rise in profits over the past year.
  • Meticulously tracked budgets while planning visual strategies; maintained costs under budget without compromising on quality of products or services offered.
  • Supervised up to 15 staff members during busy periods and trained them on proper display techniques; improved team efficiency by 25%.
  • Utilized data analytics tools to analyze various metrics such as footfall rate, shopper demographics etc., providing insights into consumer trends which enabled better decision making for future strategy planning purposes.
  • Managed a team of 5 visual merchandisers and oversaw the creation, maintenance and execution of all store displays; improved customer engagement by 7% through effective product placement.
  • Executed innovative window design concepts to promote seasonal products and special offers; generated an additional $400 in sales every month on average.
  • Accurately monitored inventory levels across multiple departments to ensure that shelves remained stocked at all times; decreased stock-outs by 50%.
  • Introduced new fixtures and display techniques within the store which increased foot traffic by 10%; additionally implemented digital marketing strategies for better visibility online as well as offline stores.
  • Reduced costs associated with installation of signage, lighting & other materials used for window displays & promotions through careful budgeting & negotiation skills, saving over $1,000 annually in operational expenses.
  • Demonstrated creative and analytical abilities in conceptualizing, designing and executing visual merchandising strategies for 10+ retail stores that increased sales by 15%.
  • Spearheaded the organization of window displays, product presentations, interior layouts etc., to create an attractive shopping environment while ensuring compliance with corporate standards.
  • Researched latest industry trends as well as customers’ demographic preferences to develop dynamic seasonal campaigns resulting in a 25% increase in customer traffic over 3 months.
  • Assessed current conditions at each store location and identified opportunities for improvement; developed process documentation/guidelines that raised efficiency levels by 17%.
  • Resourcefully allocated budgets to maximize return on investment when purchasing props or other materials needed for display setups; saved $1200 per quarter compared to previous year’s expenditure figures.
  • Formulated and implemented creative visual merchandising strategies that increased sales by 8% and drove customer engagement in store.
  • Planned and executed seasonal promotional displays with the goal of boosting brand visibility; achieved an average lift in revenue of $3,500 per month.
  • Coordinated with key stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of merchandise while maintaining budgetary limits; saved up to 20% on material costs year-on-year.
  • Effectively managed a team of 10 staff members responsible for window dressing, product reordering & display setup/reset across all store locations within the region.
  • Compiled and implemented visual strategies to increase store sales, resulting in a 15% revenue growth within two quarters.
  • Participated in monthly inventory counts, monitoring the stock and restocking of merchandise on shelves as needed.
  • Displayed seasonal products according to guidelines; organized window displays that increased foot traffic by 10%.
  • Substantially decreased expenses related to mannequin rental and display accessories through creative use of existing resources with an annual savings of $5,000+.
  • Mentored new team members on appropriate product placement, styling techniques for clothing items and other merchandising principles; trained 3 interns in design fundamentals over 6 months period.

3. Skills

Even though two organizations are hiring for the same role, the skillset they want an ideal candidate to possess could differ significantly. For instance, one may be on the lookout for an individual with a strong understanding of visual merchandising and display design principles, while another may be more interested in finding someone who is knowledgeable about customer service.

It’s important to tailor the skills section of your resume to each job you are applying for because many companies use applicant tracking systems these days which scan resumes for certain keywords before passing them on to a human.

In addition, it would also be beneficial if you elaborate on some of the most relevant ones in other sections such as the summary or experience areas.

Below is a list of common skills & terms:

  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Advertising
  • Apparel
  • Brand Development
  • Communication
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Fashion
  • Fashion Design
  • Fashion Shows
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustrator
  • InDesign
  • Interior Design
  • Inventory Control
  • Loss Prevention
  • Luxury Goods
  • Mannequin Styling
  • Merchandise Planning
  • Merchandising
  • New Store Openings
  • POS
  • Photography
  • Profit
  • Recruiting
  • Retail Sales
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Social Networking
  • Store Management
  • Store Operations
  • Styling
  • Team Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Textiles
  • Time Management
  • Trend
  • Trend Analysis
  • Trend Forecasting
  • Visual Merchandising
  • Window Displays

4. Education

Including an education section on your resume is largely based on how far along you are in your career. If you just graduated and have limited work experience, mentioning your education below the resume objective will be beneficial. However, if you have several years of relevant work experience to showcase, there’s no need for an education section at all.

If including an education section is necessary or desired, try to list courses and subjects related to the visual merchandising manager role that demonstrate knowledge of the industry.

Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Merchandising
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

5. Certifications

Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in a particular field. They show that you have taken the time to learn more about the industry, as well as prove that you have been tested by an official organization.

Including certifications on your resume can be beneficial if they are relevant to the job position or company culture. It is also important to keep up with any new certifications related to your profession so employers know that you stay current with industry trends and standards.

Certified Visual Merchandising Professional
Visual Merchandising and Design
May 2017

6. Contact Info

Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.

You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.

Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Crystal Kemmer, this would be Crystal-Kemmer-resume.pdf or Crystal-Kemmer-resume.docx.

7. Cover Letter

A cover letter is an essential component of any job application. It is a document that introduces yourself to potential employers and provides them with more information about your professional background, qualifications and skills than what’s stated on your resume.

Writing a cover letter can give you the opportunity to show off your personality as well as demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the role in question. Cover letters should be tailored according to each individual job post and typically consist of 2-4 paragraphs outlining who you are, why you’re applying and how suitable a fit you would be for the company.

Below is an example cover letter:

Dear Rosemary,

I am writing in response to your job posting for a Visual Merchandising Manager. As an experienced retail professional with expertise in both visual merchandising and store operations, I am confident I would make a valuable addition to your team.

In my current role as Store Manager at [retailer name], I oversee all aspects of store operations, including visual merchandising. I have successfully implemented strategic visual merchandising plans that increased sales by 20% year over year. My ability to create visually appealing displays that highlight merchandise features and drive customer interest is one of my strongest strengths. In addition, I have excellent people management skills and a proven track record of leading high-performing teams.

I am excited about the possibility of joining [company name] and contributing to your success. Please find attached a copy of my resume for your review. I can be reached anytime via phone or email, and look forward to speaking with you soon about this opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Sincerely,

Crystal

Visual Merchandising Manager Resume Templates

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