Store window displays can be as elaborate as a theatrical production, or they can be straightforward presentations of what's for sale and for how much. But somebody has to put those things in the window, and that person is called a window trimmer. The goal is to catch the eye and make merchandise lo ...
ok irresistible.
It's a job that requires creativity, the ability to work under pressure, and marketing skills. You need to understand what kind of shopper the store want's to attract. Teenagers? Young professionals? The window has to make the connection, and often it reinforces advertising in other media. And the goods inside the store should be arranged attractively too.
A display designer needs to be able to determine the kind of shopping done at a particular store so the displays work well for both customers and sales people. Small stores often handle their own displays with employees who have other duties, but there are full -time merchandise display designers and window trimmers at department stores and retail chains.
A related profession is designing displays for trade shows. These are conventions that focus on particular industries with multiple booths completing for attention, a designer who can make a booth stand out can make a big difference.
A wide variety of backgrounds can serve as a foundation for this field, from on-the-job training to formal design education or even set-design classes at art or drama schools. In fact, display design can be a steppingstone toward other design or marketing careers at the company where you start, or beyond.
SNAPSHOT
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Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.
Leadership
HIGH
Critical decision making
HIGH
Level of responsibilities
HIGH
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
HIGH
Dealing and handling conflict
LOW
Competition for this position
HIGH
Communication with others
HIGH
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
HIGH
Comfort of the work setting
HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
LOW
Exposure to job hazards
LOW
Physical demands
HIGH
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DAILY TASKS
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Construct or assemble displays or display components from fabric, glass, paper, or plastic, using hand tools or woodworking power tools, according to specifications.
Place prices or descriptive signs on backdrops, fixtures, merchandise, or floor.
Obtain plans from display designers or display managers and discuss their implementation with clients or supervisors.
Collaborate with others to obtain products or other display items.
Plan commercial displays to entice and appeal to customers.
Develop ideas or plans for merchandise displays or window decorations.
Consult with advertising or sales staff to determine type of merchandise to be featured and time and place for each display.
Arrange properties, furniture, merchandise, backdrops, or other accessories, as shown in prepared sketches.
Change or rotate window displays, interior display areas, or signage to reflect changes in inventory or promotion.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
KEY ABILITIES
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Visualization
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Extent Flexibility
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
TOP SKILLS
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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