Selling the Whole Package

by Karin Evans
Fashion School Review Columnist

April 4, 2005

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Fashion merchandising is a sector-specific form of marketing that combines fashion design knowledge and creativity with advertising, retail and marketing expertise.

What Exactly is Fashion Merchandising?

Fashion merchandising is part of the work of both manufacturers and retailers in the fashion industry. Fashion merchandisers often work closely with fashion designers, and pick up the process where the designers leave off.

The job of the fashion merchandiser is to identify the products that will sell, and 'package' them in a way that appeals to the market identified for the item or line. Fashion merchandisers are often involved in buying, as the two roles are closely linked.

How Can I Begin a Career in Fashion Merchandising?

Clearly, to be able to identify potential consumers and anticipate consumer preferences, fashion merchandisers need to have a good understanding of the world of fashion - the design side of the industry and the business side. This isn't something that people are generally born with! The fashion institute of design and merchandising has an excellent reputation for providing those skills and knowledge.

A fashion merchandising degree from the fashion institute of design and merchandising is the ideal basis for a career in fashion merchandising. However much you think you know about fashion, you've got a lot to learn before you can start applying for fashion merchandising jobs.

A fashion merchandising degree program at the fashion institute of design and merchandising will provide you with training in the planning, procurement, and promotion of apparel merchandising.

What Kind of Job Can I Expect to Get after My Degree?

Experience counts for a lot in the fashion industry. Your degree in fashion merchandising will be your ticket to entry-level jobs, such as:

Fashion Buyer
Retailer
Fashion Merchandiser
Store Manager
Product Developer
Fashion Advertising Agent
Fashion Event Planner
Importing / Exporting Agent

The experience you gain in these entry-level positions can lead to positions with greater challenge and responsibilities. It is up to you to use this experience to build upon what you learned from your degree.

About the Author
Karin Evans works for a government agency researching and writing reports to inform policy. Her previous experience includes teaching, editing, and sales and marketing - all in the field of English Literature and Language. Karin has graduate and doctoral

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