Types of Fashion Merchandising
A career in fashion merchandising extends beyond having a passion for clothing. Those who work as fashion merchandisers must also possess business savvy, and eye for trends, a knowledge of fabrics and textiles, and a keen sense of the history of fashion. Within the scope of fashion merchandising, there are several different job functions such as fashion buyers, coordinators, merchandisers, retailers, market researchers, public relations and advertising executives, fashion event planners, operation and store managers, fashion editors, product coordinators, developers, and importing and exporting agents.
Fashion Buyer
If you choose to become a fashion buyer within the fashion merchandising field, you will be creating the selection a store provides to its consumers. You literally set the tone for an entire market. Because designs can take up to a year to create ahead of time, buyers usually place orders with manufacturers well in advance. What this means for you is that you will have a sense of what will be a trend. You may travel the world attending fashion shows, meeting with designers and strategizing with marketing professionals. You may begin your career as a junior fashion buyer and climb the rank to a senior buyer; according to SimplyHired.com, a fashion buyer working in New York City can earn up to $90,000 annually.
Fashion Editor
Although being a fashion editor is highly coveted and sounds glamorous (thanks in part to films such as "The Devil Wears Prada"), it is definitely a job that will have you paying your dues. Before you can ever cover or attend a fashion show in Paris, you are running errands for senior fashion editors and picking up items of clothing to be photographed for the magazine or publication for which you work. With a degree in fashion merchandising (and a concentration on journalism/writing), you will have an edge, however. Salaries in this field begin low, according to Ed2010.com. Entry-level fashion editors usually start at $30,000 annually.
Get a Fashion Merchandising Job
There are many websites you can peruse to get a job in this field such as Mediabistro.com, Creativejobscentral.com or Ed2010.com. As well, it is wise to work at an internship at a fashion house, retailer or magazine to get your foot in the door. Many times, when a job opening is present, a person who worked as an intern is usually first in line for the job.
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