Introduction to Visual Merchandising for Fashion Products (Online)

This short course is delivered entirely online and introduces key aspects of visual merchandising for fashion products. With an introduction to the core principles of visual merchandising and the dramatic effect it can have on retail sales you will gain a good knowledge of the skill required to create a visual merchandise display for fashion retail purposes. The skills acquired on this course could also be applied to a number of other product areas.

During this time of online and multi-channel retailing brands, retailers and designers need to be ever more aware of how to attract and hold the gaze of their customers, store windows are the first touch-point for consumers and are fundamental to the successful communication between a store and consumers. Holding onto those consumers once they are in the store and using strategies such as ‘up-selling’ can considerably enhance the profitability of a store.

The course encourages you to observe and evaluate existing visual merchandise displays from a range of retail stores and to combine your analysis of this information with theoretical study that will provide an academic underpinning to the practical knowledge you have gained. You will learn the key terminologies used within the industry and develop an understanding of the equipment and furniture used to create inspiring and effective visual merchandising displays.

You will have the opportunity to work with an experienced tutor who will assist you with your understanding of the subject, facilitate and encourage discussion and provide feedback on your progress. You will have access to online resources such as guest lectures, live critiques, and interviews with industry professionals, podcasts and e-books. Learners will also be encouraged to attend relevant exhibitions, trade events and shows wherever possible.

Course materials will be available through the Solent Online Learning Portal and you will work independently, at your own pace, on a series of exercises designed to encourage a self-reflective approach to your personal knowledge development. Group discussion and a sharing of knowledge, experience and ideas will be actively encouraged in order to create an online ‘community of learning’ within which you will develop a network of colleagues.

A final assessment will take place at the end of the twelve-week course for which you will be required to submit electronically a final piece of work.

Course delivery

The course combines practical exercises with input from industry experts along with current supporting theory. You will be encouraged to reflect on your progress while working through the course materials and exercises, while also developing your creative and visual communication skills.

Who is the course for?

• Independent Boutique owners and staff.
• High street retail managers and staff.
• Those thinking of setting up a fashion business.
• Those thinking of a future career in fashion retail.
• Those wishing to refresh or enhance their existing professional skills and improve and update their CV.

Key details

• Duration: 12 weeks
• Online Attendance: 5 sessions
• Expected total study time: 100 hours
• Location: Online
• Credit: 10 Credits at Level 4 (First year degree level)
• Certificate: 10 Credits
• Fee: £350

Contact

To enquire further or apply for a place on this course, please contact Lisa Mann:

Email: lisa.mann@solent.ac.uk|
Telephone: +44 (0)23 8031 9386