Visual Merchandising Diploma
Why you should study with us
Visual Merchandising Diploma Course
Visual merchandising is one of a retailer’s most valuable assets. When done well, it can drive sales, inspire loyalty in customers, improve the buying experience and communicate a brand’s core values and ideals.
This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of visual merchandising. Although the content focuses primarily on visual merchandising within a traditional retail environment, much of the material is also relevant in other art and design-based contexts, such as exhibition design, interior design, ecommerce-related web design, and event planning.
This course addresses numerous practical aspects of visual merchandising, including the proper use of planograms, brand communication, the launching of sales campaigns, and arranging seasonal displays.
You will learn exactly what drives a customer to make a purchase, and how to harness the shopper’s senses in such a way that they feel inclined to buy a product. Whether you are a small business owner wanting to learn how to show your products to their best advantage, an individual looking to break into the retail industry, or simply someone with a passion for the visual arts, you will soon develop a working knowledge of all key areas of visual merchandising.
The knowledge you gain during this course will prepare you to enter this challenging yet rewarding and highly creative profession.
What You Will Learn
- What visual merchandising is, why visual merchandising plays a vital role in the retail industry, and the ways in which visual merchandising practices have changed over time.
- The various kinds of internal and external displays a visual merchandiser will create, the principles underlying good display design, and how planograms are used to guide visual merchandisers in their day-to-day work.
- How visual merchandisers choose, dress and style mannequins when designing displays.
- The most common types of fixtures and fittings used by visual merchandisers and how they are used to construct eye-catching displays.
- Why a visual merchandiser needs to understand the principles behind an effective store layout and how these layouts are put together.
- How visual merchandisers display home furnishings and related products in a way that promotes sales and improves customer engagement.
- The challenges that come with displaying shoes and accessories, together with an overview of the most common techniques used to present items in these categories.
- How visual merchandisers can play a key role in ensuring the success of sales and promotions.
- The most pressing issues confronting retailers today and how they are shaping visual merchandising roles.
- How to begin and develop a career in visual merchandising, together with an overview of alternative career paths for those with previous experience in retail merchandising.
Benefits of taking this course
- You will gain an insight into the necessary qualities and qualifications needed for a career in visual merchandising, which will help you make informed choices when seeking training and employment in this sector.
- You will be in a position to put together effective, attractive displays that incorporate both merchandise and props.
- You will be able to apply for entry-level assistant merchandising roles, confident that you have knowledge of the underlying principles of contemporary retail displays.
- You will be able to begin a career that could give you the opportunity to manage a visual merchandising team, and to assume considerable creative responsibility within a retail environment.
- You can learn the material in any place, at any time, and at your own speed.
- All you need is an internet-enabled device.
- Content is presented as brief modules, making learning easy.
- Affordable cost.
This course includes
24/7 Student Support
End of course certification
Lifetime access to your course
Compatible with modern devices
- What is meant by the term ‘visual merchandising’;
- The key aims of visual merchandising as a retail practice;
- The history of visual merchandising;
- Why visual merchandising is important and effective in selling products;
- Why key design principles are the foundation of every successful display;
- The most common types of display used in retail environments;
- How to use lighting, to make merchandise more appealing to the customer;
- How colour can be employed, to display products to good effect;
- The advantages of using mannequins, to display clothing and accessories;
- How to care for and store mannequins;
- How to dress a mannequin;
- The various forms available that can replace or supplement mannequins;
- What is meant by the term ‘fixture’, in the context of the retail industry;
- The relationship between the fixtures used in visual merchandising and the way in which a product or line of products is displayed;
- The relationship between the fixtures used in visual merchandising and the way in which a product or line of products is displayed;
- How to use platforms and elevations, to show off store merchandise;
- What is meant by the term ‘store planning’;
- How the role of a store planner differs from that of a visual merchandiser;
- Why visual merchandisers should take the time to become familiar with the purposes of store planning, and how it is carried out in practice;
- The key purposes and aims of store design;
- The types of merchandise that fall under the category of home accessories (also known as ‘home fashions’;
- The importance of setting the scene and using lifestyle themes, when displaying homeware and home accessories;
- How to display small and fragile goods in a safe, aesthetically pleasing manner;
- How to use mannequins in the promotion of homeware;
- Why the presentation of shoes, jewellery and fashion accessories is just as important as that of clothes;
- The most common props used by visual merchandisers, in order to display items in these categories;
- How to present shoes, in order to form an attractive display;
- How to display jewellery in a way that catches the eye of the customer;
- How visual merchandising plays an essential role in the performance of a sales campaign;
- How to use signs, to promote a sale, and the most effective words and phrases to use, in encouraging sales;
- How to use symbolism, to communicate price reductions;
- How to use mannequins and other props, to draw attention to a sale;
- Why retail does not stand still, and how retailers can stay abreast of the latest trends;
- The rise of online shopping and its implications for visual merchandising;
- Why omnichannel retailing is growing in popularity and the implications of this trend, for those working in visual merchandising;
- The role of pop-up shops in contemporary retail and how a visual merchandiser can put together effective displays, in these environments;
- Why you need to take a proactive approach, in order to advance within the retail industry;
- What you need to consider, before studying a formal qualification, and how to choose the right course for you;
- The options available to you with regards to working hours and environments;
- How to keep up with changing trends in the retail industry;
ID: YDFT67YHJ
of achievement
This certificate is presented to
Your Name
For completing the
Visual Merchandising Diploma
on 21st November 2026
Selena Hurford
Selena Hurford
Course Tutor
Daniel Morgan
Daniel Morgan
Head of Academy
Anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter is encouraged to take the course. There are no entry requirements to take the course.
The course is broken down into 10 individual modules. Each module takes between 20 and 90 minutes on average to study. Although you are free to spend as much or as little time as you feel necessary on each module, simply log in and out of the course at your convenience.
You can study the course any time you like. Simply log in and out of the web based course as often as you require. The course is compatible with all computers, tablet devices and smart phones so you can even study while on the move!
Once you have completed all 10 modules there is a multiple choice test. The questions will be on a range of topics found within the 10 modules. The test, like the course, is online and can be taken a time and location of your choosing.
The pass mark for the test is 70%.
If you don’t pass the test first time you will get further opportunities to take the test again after extra study. There are no limits to the number of times you can take the test. All test retakes are included within the price of the course.
You can either use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Solo cards or PayPal account to pay for the online course. Our site uses the latest SSL encryption to ensure your safety. All payments are handled securely by PayPal.
You can begin the course immediately after your payment has been received. You will create your login details during the checkout process. We will also send you an email confirming your login details.
We estimate that the course will take about 12 hours to complete in total, plus an additional 30 minutes for the end of course test.
Once you have been awarded your certificate it is valid for life. The certificate does not expire or need renewing.
The course was very well structured and I have a clear idea from all subjects. All the subjects have examples and highlight very important information during the course.
It is suitable for my needs in improving my qualification and doing an online course which transmits all necessary information.
The material is very relevant to the day-to-day activities in a bank and show me how many options I have available inside the bank industry and which qualifications I need. I am very happy with it and I recommend everyone who has some curiosity to learn more about the banking sector.
Diogo Miranda
This Makeup Diploma course I wanted to have almost half of my life, from when I was a kid. I really enjoyed studying and was really happy to finish this Makeup Diploma course.
Liked videos in modules, PDF’s were easy to save. Not only that I learned new tips on how to do makeup, I also learned how to deal with marketing and advertising for my future business.
I’m sure that will not be the last course that I finished. And I will highly recommend to my friends to this online tutoring as it is great way to gain knowledge. Thank you.
Darija Holm
As the Head of HR, I always have to keep up to date on all law. This course was brilliant and helped me brush up on some areas I hadn’t worked on for some time. Really great value and also very user friendly – brilliant purchase!
For me personally, I have a Masters in HR Management and I love to keep developing and learning and this course was a brilliant way to satisfy my hunger for learning but I could also fit it in with my full time role – win win!
Another positive edition to anyone’s CV – would recommend to anyone even if you are just curious about your employee rights!
Amy Knight
The International Massage course is exceptional in value. The course is comprehensively laid out, each component labelled with an initial written notes, followed by details excellent videos which actually show exactly how to massage.
The course covers all types of massage such as Lomi lomi massage to hot stone massage.
I have benefited enormously from registering on this course. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone as I am aware of how much they would benefit.
I gave my friend a massage just for fun & she was amazed & told me she thinks I am the best masseuse ever. She should know as she has regular massages from professional. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead sign up for the course.
By the way no one is paying me to say this, I am saying what I believe to be true.
Abba Howson
really enjoyed the course, nice short sections easy to take in the information.
I particularity liked the option to save the pfd and print the material, this allowed me to look back on the information, which was very helpful.
I would recommend this course to others as it gives an understanding to the events industry.
I look forward to using my diploma and put the skills i learnt into practice in a day to day career change. Thanks!
Cos Constantinides
Quick and easy, can learn in your own time which was great. I have an 8-week old baby and managed to complete with no pressure. Everything was broken down so well and helpful videos along the way.
Will be taking more courses with New Skills Academy, I wish I did the course years ago. I have the experience in waxing but because I gave up my college course to have my baby, I don’t have the time to go back and I was close to qualifying.
I took this course and passed without all the hassle of going back for a year. Thank you, New Skills Academy.
Sofia Legg
Visual Merchandising Diploma Course
Visual merchandising is one of a retailer’s most valuable assets. When done well, it can drive sales, inspire loyalty in customers, improve the buying experience and communicate a brand’s core values and ideals.
This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of visual merchandising. Although the content focuses primarily on visual merchandising within a traditional retail environment, much of the material is also relevant in other art and design-based contexts, such as exhibition design, interior design, ecommerce-related web design, and event planning.
This course addresses numerous practical aspects of visual merchandising, including the proper use of planograms, brand communication, the launching of sales campaigns, and arranging seasonal displays.
You will learn exactly what drives a customer to make a purchase, and how to harness the shopper’s senses in such a way that they feel inclined to buy a product. Whether you are a small business owner wanting to learn how to show your products to their best advantage, an individual looking to break into the retail industry, or simply someone with a passion for the visual arts, you will soon develop a working knowledge of all key areas of visual merchandising.
The knowledge you gain during this course will prepare you to enter this challenging yet rewarding and highly creative profession.
What You Will Learn
- What visual merchandising is, why visual merchandising plays a vital role in the retail industry, and the ways in which visual merchandising practices have changed over time.
- The various kinds of internal and external displays a visual merchandiser will create, the principles underlying good display design, and how planograms are used to guide visual merchandisers in their day-to-day work.
- How visual merchandisers choose, dress and style mannequins when designing displays.
- The most common types of fixtures and fittings used by visual merchandisers and how they are used to construct eye-catching displays.
- Why a visual merchandiser needs to understand the principles behind an effective store layout and how these layouts are put together.
- How visual merchandisers display home furnishings and related products in a way that promotes sales and improves customer engagement.
- The challenges that come with displaying shoes and accessories, together with an overview of the most common techniques used to present items in these categories.
- How visual merchandisers can play a key role in ensuring the success of sales and promotions.
- The most pressing issues confronting retailers today and how they are shaping visual merchandising roles.
- How to begin and develop a career in visual merchandising, together with an overview of alternative career paths for those with previous experience in retail merchandising.
Benefits of taking this course
- You will gain an insight into the necessary qualities and qualifications needed for a career in visual merchandising, which will help you make informed choices when seeking training and employment in this sector.
- You will be in a position to put together effective, attractive displays that incorporate both merchandise and props.
- You will be able to apply for entry-level assistant merchandising roles, confident that you have knowledge of the underlying principles of contemporary retail displays.
- You will be able to begin a career that could give you the opportunity to manage a visual merchandising team, and to assume considerable creative responsibility within a retail environment.
- You can learn the material in any place, at any time, and at your own speed.
- All you need is an internet-enabled device.
- Content is presented as brief modules, making learning easy.
- Affordable cost.
This course includes
24/7 Student Support
End of course certification
Lifetime access to your course
Compatible with modern devices
- What is meant by the term ‘visual merchandising’;
- The key aims of visual merchandising as a retail practice;
- The history of visual merchandising;
- Why visual merchandising is important and effective in selling products;
- Why key design principles are the foundation of every successful display;
- The most common types of display used in retail environments;
- How to use lighting, to make merchandise more appealing to the customer;
- How colour can be employed, to display products to good effect;
- The advantages of using mannequins, to display clothing and accessories;
- How to care for and store mannequins;
- How to dress a mannequin;
- The various forms available that can replace or supplement mannequins;
- What is meant by the term ‘fixture’, in the context of the retail industry;
- The relationship between the fixtures used in visual merchandising and the way in which a product or line of products is displayed;
- The relationship between the fixtures used in visual merchandising and the way in which a product or line of products is displayed;
- How to use platforms and elevations, to show off store merchandise;
- What is meant by the term ‘store planning’;
- How the role of a store planner differs from that of a visual merchandiser;
- Why visual merchandisers should take the time to become familiar with the purposes of store planning, and how it is carried out in practice;
- The key purposes and aims of store design;
- The types of merchandise that fall under the category of home accessories (also known as ‘home fashions’;
- The importance of setting the scene and using lifestyle themes, when displaying homeware and home accessories;
- How to display small and fragile goods in a safe, aesthetically pleasing manner;
- How to use mannequins in the promotion of homeware;
- Why the presentation of shoes, jewellery and fashion accessories is just as important as that of clothes;
- The most common props used by visual merchandisers, in order to display items in these categories;
- How to present shoes, in order to form an attractive display;
- How to display jewellery in a way that catches the eye of the customer;
- How visual merchandising plays an essential role in the performance of a sales campaign;
- How to use signs, to promote a sale, and the most effective words and phrases to use, in encouraging sales;
- How to use symbolism, to communicate price reductions;
- How to use mannequins and other props, to draw attention to a sale;
- Why retail does not stand still, and how retailers can stay abreast of the latest trends;
- The rise of online shopping and its implications for visual merchandising;
- Why omnichannel retailing is growing in popularity and the implications of this trend, for those working in visual merchandising;
- The role of pop-up shops in contemporary retail and how a visual merchandiser can put together effective displays, in these environments;
- Why you need to take a proactive approach, in order to advance within the retail industry;
- What you need to consider, before studying a formal qualification, and how to choose the right course for you;
- The options available to you with regards to working hours and environments;
- How to keep up with changing trends in the retail industry;
ID: YDFT67YHJ
of achievement
This certificate is presented to
Your Name
For completing the
Visual Merchandising Diploma
on 21st November 2026
Selena Hurford
Selena Hurford
Course Tutor
Daniel Morgan
Daniel Morgan
Head of Academy
Anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter is encouraged to take the course. There are no entry requirements to take the course.
The course is broken down into 10 individual modules. Each module takes between 20 and 90 minutes on average to study. Although you are free to spend as much or as little time as you feel necessary on each module, simply log in and out of the course at your convenience.
You can study the course any time you like. Simply log in and out of the web based course as often as you require. The course is compatible with all computers, tablet devices and smart phones so you can even study while on the move!
Once you have completed all 10 modules there is a multiple choice test. The questions will be on a range of topics found within the 10 modules. The test, like the course, is online and can be taken a time and location of your choosing.
The pass mark for the test is 70%.
If you don’t pass the test first time you will get further opportunities to take the test again after extra study. There are no limits to the number of times you can take the test. All test retakes are included within the price of the course.
You can either use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Solo cards or PayPal account to pay for the online course. Our site uses the latest SSL encryption to ensure your safety. All payments are handled securely by PayPal.
You can begin the course immediately after your payment has been received. You will create your login details during the checkout process. We will also send you an email confirming your login details.
We estimate that the course will take about 12 hours to complete in total, plus an additional 30 minutes for the end of course test.
Once you have been awarded your certificate it is valid for life. The certificate does not expire or need renewing.
The course was very well structured and I have a clear idea from all subjects. All the subjects have examples and highlight very important information during the course.
It is suitable for my needs in improving my qualification and doing an online course which transmits all necessary information.
The material is very relevant to the day-to-day activities in a bank and show me how many options I have available inside the bank industry and which qualifications I need. I am very happy with it and I recommend everyone who has some curiosity to learn more about the banking sector.
Diogo Miranda
This Makeup Diploma course I wanted to have almost half of my life, from when I was a kid. I really enjoyed studying and was really happy to finish this Makeup Diploma course.
Liked videos in modules, PDF’s were easy to save. Not only that I learned new tips on how to do makeup, I also learned how to deal with marketing and advertising for my future business.
I’m sure that will not be the last course that I finished. And I will highly recommend to my friends to this online tutoring as it is great way to gain knowledge. Thank you.
Darija Holm
As the Head of HR, I always have to keep up to date on all law. This course was brilliant and helped me brush up on some areas I hadn’t worked on for some time. Really great value and also very user friendly – brilliant purchase!
For me personally, I have a Masters in HR Management and I love to keep developing and learning and this course was a brilliant way to satisfy my hunger for learning but I could also fit it in with my full time role – win win!
Another positive edition to anyone’s CV – would recommend to anyone even if you are just curious about your employee rights!
Amy Knight
The International Massage course is exceptional in value. The course is comprehensively laid out, each component labelled with an initial written notes, followed by details excellent videos which actually show exactly how to massage.
The course covers all types of massage such as Lomi lomi massage to hot stone massage.
I have benefited enormously from registering on this course. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone as I am aware of how much they would benefit.
I gave my friend a massage just for fun & she was amazed & told me she thinks I am the best masseuse ever. She should know as she has regular massages from professional. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead sign up for the course.
By the way no one is paying me to say this, I am saying what I believe to be true.
Abba Howson
really enjoyed the course, nice short sections easy to take in the information.
I particularity liked the option to save the pfd and print the material, this allowed me to look back on the information, which was very helpful.
I would recommend this course to others as it gives an understanding to the events industry.
I look forward to using my diploma and put the skills i learnt into practice in a day to day career change. Thanks!
Cos Constantinides
Quick and easy, can learn in your own time which was great. I have an 8-week old baby and managed to complete with no pressure. Everything was broken down so well and helpful videos along the way.
Will be taking more courses with New Skills Academy, I wish I did the course years ago. I have the experience in waxing but because I gave up my college course to have my baby, I don’t have the time to go back and I was close to qualifying.
I took this course and passed without all the hassle of going back for a year. Thank you, New Skills Academy.
Sofia Legg
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I found this course incredibly useful, as it provided me with practical knowledge which I can implement in my role as a Support Worker. The videos were clear and concise, and the downloadable worksheets reinforced what I had learned as I was able to put pen to paper. Overall, a fantastic course for a great price! I am looking forward to taking on my next one.
Teleisha Harley
Yet another well laid out course. This is my 3rd course so far with New Skills Academy.
More than likely will be back for another one soon. This course was enjoyable to do, and I learnt a lot and passed first try. My certificate will be up on the wall soon.
Rob Coops
Wow what an incredible insight for the start of anyone's journey in property. This course gives you so much information and there are tests and questions on each of the modules. The course is very easy to follow and well laid out. You can actually make notes on the pages of each module using the notes tab! I am very excited to say that I passed and I only spent one week on this course. I will print all the PDF information and keep it in a file with my certificate. I feel very confident for my future plans now I have completed this course.
Nichola Anderson
Very interesting and helpful course. I ve learned a lot of interesting things about make up and the tutorials were very helpful and easy to understand. I really reccomend this course for everyone who is passionate about make up and wish to develop their skills and make a career from their hobby.
Nicoleta Lucaci
Omg im so excited, over joyed and all the good stuff that comes to mind! Wonderful experience doing lessons with New Skills Academy. I look foward to doing more courses with them. I hope this will encourage others to come on board and refresh your minds or to learn something new, it's a win win situation. I want to thank New Skills Academy so much for making this as simple as possible for me.
Shari Anderson
It was an eye opening course that was flexible and easy to access. I was able to complete it from the comfort of my own home whilst also having the tasks to complete which enabled me to check my knowledge. I know feel much more confident in my field of work and really enjoyed doing it.
Ellie Clarke
Fantastic course! Well-presented and challenging with frequent assessments. I feel a serious sense of accomplishment having not studied for over 30 years! Videos that accompany each module are carefully thought out and informative. Am so impressed with this course, have now signed up for 3 other courses and recommending New Skills Academy to everyone!
Marva Hudson
I took up this course initially to help me with my own dog, but found that as I worked through the material I actually started thinking that this could be something that I could use to make a second income. From start to finish I found the course engaging and interesting. I am now doing another dog related course and am experiencing the same level of enjoyment. I would recommend New Skills Academy without hesitation.
Keith Smith
