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Display Designer, Merchandise Presentation Specialist, Visual Presentation Specialist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Most visual merchandisers work for large department stores and retail chains. Their responsibilities and position titles vary from one employer to another. In general, they:
They also may:
Visual merchandisers must become intimately aware of the store’s layout. Frequent shifts of large quantities of merchandise require merchandisers to solve problems and anticipate customers’ needs.
Some organizations have two levels of visual merchandising. One takes charge of the overall look and colour flow of displays. The other maintains window and other displays from day to day.
Visual merchandisers usually plan displays two to four weeks before they’re needed. This allows them to prepare for the arrival of new merchandise and coordinate displays with special promotions and advertising campaigns. Large companies or chains most often provide signage and prop packages for merchandisers who work exclusively for them. Specific products may be chosen for displays that will be created according to tight guidelines. This ensures the uniformity of store presentations throughout the company.
Freelance merchandisers who work for smaller chains and independent stores may work with fewer or less stringent guidelines. Some do everything from building props to producing signage with computers.
Visual merchandisers ensure stores present a strong corporate image that appeals to their target market. Due to constant changes in the retail and fashion market, they must work under tight deadlines. Sometimes merchandising is done outside of business operating hours, such as early morning or late evening. Peak seasons vary depending on the store’s target audience. For example, back-to-school season may be busy for a children’s store. A jewellery or lingerie store may be busier leading up to Valentine’s Day.
Lifting heavier items, using assembly tools, and climbing ladders routinely is required.
Some visual merchandisers travel from store to store, either as employees of retail chains or as freelancers.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to develop new ideas and esthetic and practical solutions to meet customers' requirements; and in planning and developing permanent and temporary or moveable exhibits and displays for museum exhibitions, trade shows, conventions, retail spaces and for other exhibitions
Interest in precision working with drafting equipment and computer-aided design (CAD) software to prepare final designs; and in submitting designs to supervisors and clients for approval
Interest in speaking to direct workers who are erecting displays, making working drawings and models of displays, and positioning spotlights, coloured lighting and other illumination; and in evaluating information regarding developments in materials and styles
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Visual merchandisers need:
They should enjoy synthesizing information to develop new ideas and find practical solutions to problems. They should like taking a methodical approach to precision tasks. They should be comfortable directing the work of others.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 52 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 02, 2022 and Dec 16, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 21 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Exhibit designers plan and develop permanent and temporary or moveable exhibits and displays for museum exhibitions, trade shows, conventions, retail spaces and other exhibitions | 20 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 19 |
| Tasks: Theatre designers design and create settings, scenic environments, properties, costumes and lighting for theatre, film and video productions, operas and ballets | 19 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 18 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 16 |
| Tasks: Fashion designers design and create clothing and accessories for men, women and children | 16 |
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 14 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 13 |
| Women's clothing | 13 |
Visual merchandisers may be taught the knowledge and skills they need by:
Most employers prefer to hire applicants with related post-secondary education.
Art and design programs are offered by post-secondary schools throughout Alberta.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Visual merchandisers work for:
Experienced merchandisers who work for large retail stores may advance to senior designer positions. Further advancement opportunities are limited.
Most self-employed display designers establish themselves in the profession before trying to freelance.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
2016 NOC: 5243
81.9% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Incomes in this occupation vary considerably. No current salary data is available.
Updated Mar 27, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
