Fashion
merchandising is the combination of the processes that a new fashion item must undergo
to be available in mass quantities to the consumer after it is left the hands of
the designer. To understand Fashion
Merchandising, it is important to examine the role that it plays in
manufacturing, buying, promoting and selling fashion items.
In regards to manufacturing, a fashion merchandiser will have significant input on the types of fabrics used to make a piece of clothing. Having a strong historical and socio-cultural understanding of the fabrics, helps change a designer’s vision into reality. By applying their knowledge about fabrics and clothing construction, a fashion merchandiser will take a designer’s piece and find the best way to manufacture the item while taking things like price and target market into consideration.
Buying becomes a part of Fashion Merchandise when a merchandiser buys fashion items to be presented in a store. A fashion merchandiser must be aware of the target market for the fashion item and must also be very well-versed in fashion trend analysis and forecasting. This allows for more accurate ordering. A fashion merchandiser working with a designer will offer expertise to the designer on textiles and fabrics.
In regards to manufacturing, a fashion merchandiser will have significant input on the types of fabrics used to make a piece of clothing. Having a strong historical and socio-cultural understanding of the fabrics, helps change a designer’s vision into reality. By applying their knowledge about fabrics and clothing construction, a fashion merchandiser will take a designer’s piece and find the best way to manufacture the item while taking things like price and target market into consideration.
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| Fashion Merchandise |
Buying becomes a part of Fashion Merchandise when a merchandiser buys fashion items to be presented in a store. A fashion merchandiser must be aware of the target market for the fashion item and must also be very well-versed in fashion trend analysis and forecasting. This allows for more accurate ordering. A fashion merchandiser working with a designer will offer expertise to the designer on textiles and fabrics.
If a fashion merchandiser is working for the designer then promoting the
designer’s product to stores that may want to buy large quantities is a number
one priority. Not only is a fashion merchandiser required to have a creative
mind and strong visual merchandising skills but his or her production skills
must be sharp as well.
Fashion merchandising promotes a designer’s items through the use of
fashion shows where creativity and visual effects must capture the attention of
potential buyers. Additionally, fashion merchandisers must seek out the target
market for a designer’s clothing, such as children’s clothing stores,
department stores or discount retailers.
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| Fashion Merchandising |
The final component for fashion merchandising is selling. A fashion
merchandiser that works with a designer is responsible for selling fashion
items to stores, who then sells it to the consumer. The merchandiser must have
an idea about forecasting and market trends so they may give their
recommendation regarding the production of the item.
Creativity is important, because a merchandiser must offer suggestions
on how to display the items within the store. When a fashion merchandiser works
for a retail store, his or her responsibilities include buying and presenting
fashion items within the store.
The Fashion Merchandising Courses at FDDI give
real world understanding of the Retail Sector and prepare the students for a
rewarding career in the Retail Sector.
