Visual Merchandising Certification

Visual Merchandising Certification

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

PLUS - Access to the exclusive New Skills Academy Study Group!
  • 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 color 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 goos in a safe, aesthetically pleasing manner;
  • How to use mannequins in the promotion of homeware;
  • Why the presentation of shoes, jewelry 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 frm an attractive display;
  • How to display jewelry 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 raw 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 studyig 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
certificate

of achievement

This certificate is presented to

Your Name

NSA

For completing the

Visual Merchandising Certification

on 21st November 2025

Selena Hurford

Selena Hurford

Course Tutor

cpd

Daniel Morgan

Daniel Morgan

Head of Academy

Certificate Example

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.

It's very easy to use the website and you can access all the information you need to learn. The tutors are very quick to respond what makes even easier to understand and move on with the studies.

Very happy with the course.

Cindy Miceli

Great course, lots of really good information which I could take my time over reading and making notes. I could then understand and learn through the content. It has definitely already helped my teaching and will continue to be a source of reference.

Harriet More

Wow, a really helpful course, and a great way to get a portfolio of 'faces' that will enhance my repertoire. The course was so useful in highlighting important things to think about and also give a background into the history of facial art. I enjoyed the chapters and the ability to download or re -visit the chapters any time is a great bonus. Personally, for me, I wanted to have a recognizable and quantifiable certification that I can let potential customers see, and check, so they can feel confident I am a qualified and responsible face painter. I would recommend this course to anyone thinking about furthering their interest in face painting.

Felicity Sayers

I've just completed the Level 3 Admin & PA Diploma!

I found the course informative and user friendly to navigate. I had the chance to refresh the skills I already possessed and it introduced me to new ideas and information. It was a good opportunity for me to update my skill set.

A very useful course with the topics very well presented and easy to read and follow. I was able to easily slot the course into my schedule and enjoyed setting time aside to work my way through. I would definitely recommend this course to those wishing to learn something new and for those wishing to sharpen up on previous knowledge.

Jenny McConnell

Absolutely loved this course. The information provided is so easy to understand yet so vital to becoming a successful events planner/manager.

I enjoyed this course so much I completed it within 3 days and before finishing wanted to hop on Facebook and open a business. I didn’t by the way… I cannot wait to start putting my knowledge to good use, if you are planning a career in event management then the event management diploma is the way to go!

Not only have I learnt about planning, I now know the basics on starting a business and the dreaded health and safety regulations. So thankful I did this course, well worth it!

Michelle Britnor

Thank you for the amazing opportunity to be a nail technician! The course is very interesting, helpful and detailed. I have enjoyed every module and very very soon I'll have a certificate! Highly recommend!

Justina Pavliukoviciene

Duration:
12 hours

Access:
Lifetime Access

Approved by:
CPD

Learning Type:


Text based modules  Images 

Cost:
$120.00

Visual Merchandising Certification

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

PLUS - Access to the exclusive New Skills Academy Study Group!
  • 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 color 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 goos in a safe, aesthetically pleasing manner;
  • How to use mannequins in the promotion of homeware;
  • Why the presentation of shoes, jewelry 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 frm an attractive display;
  • How to display jewelry 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 raw 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 studyig 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
certificate

of achievement

This certificate is presented to

Your Name

NSA

For completing the

Visual Merchandising Certification

on 21st November 2025

Selena Hurford

Selena Hurford

Course Tutor

cpd

Daniel Morgan

Daniel Morgan

Head of Academy

Certificate Example

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.

It's very easy to use the website and you can access all the information you need to learn. The tutors are very quick to respond what makes even easier to understand and move on with the studies.

Very happy with the course.

Cindy Miceli

Great course, lots of really good information which I could take my time over reading and making notes. I could then understand and learn through the content. It has definitely already helped my teaching and will continue to be a source of reference.

Harriet More

Wow, a really helpful course, and a great way to get a portfolio of 'faces' that will enhance my repertoire. The course was so useful in highlighting important things to think about and also give a background into the history of facial art. I enjoyed the chapters and the ability to download or re -visit the chapters any time is a great bonus. Personally, for me, I wanted to have a recognizable and quantifiable certification that I can let potential customers see, and check, so they can feel confident I am a qualified and responsible face painter. I would recommend this course to anyone thinking about furthering their interest in face painting.

Felicity Sayers

I've just completed the Level 3 Admin & PA Diploma!

I found the course informative and user friendly to navigate. I had the chance to refresh the skills I already possessed and it introduced me to new ideas and information. It was a good opportunity for me to update my skill set.

A very useful course with the topics very well presented and easy to read and follow. I was able to easily slot the course into my schedule and enjoyed setting time aside to work my way through. I would definitely recommend this course to those wishing to learn something new and for those wishing to sharpen up on previous knowledge.

Jenny McConnell

Absolutely loved this course. The information provided is so easy to understand yet so vital to becoming a successful events planner/manager.

I enjoyed this course so much I completed it within 3 days and before finishing wanted to hop on Facebook and open a business. I didn’t by the way… I cannot wait to start putting my knowledge to good use, if you are planning a career in event management then the event management diploma is the way to go!

Not only have I learnt about planning, I now know the basics on starting a business and the dreaded health and safety regulations. So thankful I did this course, well worth it!

Michelle Britnor

Thank you for the amazing opportunity to be a nail technician! The course is very interesting, helpful and detailed. I have enjoyed every module and very very soon I'll have a certificate! Highly recommend!

Justina Pavliukoviciene

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