The fashion merchandising industry is like any other. Easy to succeed with the dedication, drive, and passion that it requires, but extremely difficult for those who are not able to put in the time to be successful. But what is the fashion merchandising job description? What is it that makes someone successful or not?
There are a number of factors that make fashion merchandisers successful or not. Many of the most successful people in the industry are extremely passionate from a young age. While they may not spend all of their time displaying clothes or negotiating deals with retail stores, many have an early start in fashion merchandising when they become interested in clothes and fashion in general. This passion can be seen in the ways that children view clothing (whether it is important to them or not), but also in the interest in what other people are wearing. As teenagers some of the more successful people do not understand what the fashion merchandising job description entails, but know that they love fashion.
That is where the hard work and determination comes in. The fashion merchandising job description does not always include long hours spent out of the house negotiating budgets and promotions with retail store representatives. Most of these jobs are not enjoyable to fashion merchandisers, but the ability to deal with fashion and clothes is. The only way people have successful careers in fashion merchandising is to be able to work hard even when they are doing things that they do not enjoy.
One aspect of the job that is not explained in the fashion merchandising job description is the amount of business, marketing and analytics that are involved on a day to day basis. Much of the fashion merchandising job description is related to the actual fashion and clothing, but this is not the case. Over half the time is spent developing business proposals and displays that will sell clothing to the general public.
Another aspect of the job that is not explained in the fashion merchandising job description is the amount of time that is spent at work outside of the normal 9 am – 5 pm routine. Although the fashion aspects of the job are highly prized by most practitioners, going to fashion shows in the evening and being forced to take notes and analyze fashion is not exactly their idea of a good time. It is unfortunate that the fashion merchandising job description does not explain these things beforehand, but many people grow to love their jobs anyway.
Despite the fact that there are many drawbacks to careers in fashion merchandising, there are also many rewards that are not in the fashion merchandising job description. Naturally, helping people find the clothes that they want for the prices they can afford is fulfilling and enriching. Being able to set the trends for people and see your clothing worn by others is also greatly rewarding and worth the drawbacks in the profession.