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 2025
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.
Great Course! Arrived very quickly on the same day I ordered it - Amazing Service! I can’t wait to get the certificate at the end so I can show my customers that I have under pinned my knowledge and experience by gaining a qualification that is fully accredited. It is so important to keep fully up to date with skill and learning since everything is constantly changing i.e. the law, people’s requirements and to refresh ones’ knowledge is paramount in today’s challenging job market. We need to be one step in front and a head of our competitors if we are to succeed. Thanks You for helping me achieve this.
Yvonne Watkins
I can honestly say that I have truly enjoyed learning about Microsoft Excel.
The step by step modules (36 of them!), breaking down each part of Excel was easy to understand and absorb. The explanations of each stage was handy for notes as well. The videos were helpful for directions and practise. The worksheets were helpful to put learning into action.
The test at the end was very good in covering many aspects of Excel, however I would have liked to know what I did not get correct. This would have been helpful.
However, I would gladly use a New Skills Academy course again.
Emma Mills
Thoroughly enjoyed this course. Have decided to change my career path but have no real experience or qualifications in the job I really want to do.
I have always wanted to work with animals but ended up in the retail sector. While I do enjoy that, I feel now is the time to get out there and do what I want to do. I have sent in my CV to a dog groomer near me with a copy of my certificate attached. Fingers crossed!
I enjoyed this Diploma so much I shall be having a go at another pet/dog related one in the very near future!
Claire Hall
I really enjoyed the course. I found it very informative and straightforward.
It provided me with all facts and details about payroll, how to run it smoothly and how to communicate with HMRC. I like the format of the written information, it selects vital facts to remember and highlights the most important information that should be learnt.
Even with all the reading required, it kept me interested during whole course. The exam covers everything that should be learnt during the course and the diploma looks professional. I have learnt a lot. Thank you! I will return for some more courses.
Agata Kwiatkowksa
I cannot recommend this course enough, and after seeing the standard of my current course, I can only assume others are to the same high standard.
One of the first things you will notice about the course is just how informative it is. The information given is in depth and intelligently written. I felt within the first 15 minutes of starting, I had a genuine understanding of the requirements of my course and the ways in which it would benefit me.
I have been working in hotels now for a few years and have made the step forward into a management role. This course has given me great confidence in my own abilities and is helping me understand just how much work goes into managing a hotel.
I cannot recommend this course enough! If you’re thinking of taking the plunge, perhaps making a career change or just starting out like me, then this course is the platform you need to boost your success.
Liam Hubbard
Easy to use! Fantastic! It has massively helped me whilst I have been working in Human Resources.
I couldn't ask for anything better.
I can't wait to start another course with you! Definitely worth every penny and I would highly recommend I was also able to brush up on my excel knowledge too which is really imperative in my role.
Before I started the course I had little knowledge on how to use Excel I am now a Excel wiz! Such a fantastic course I would recommend it to anyone working in HR or looking to get into HR
Eva Stenson
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 2025
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.
Great Course! Arrived very quickly on the same day I ordered it - Amazing Service! I can’t wait to get the certificate at the end so I can show my customers that I have under pinned my knowledge and experience by gaining a qualification that is fully accredited. It is so important to keep fully up to date with skill and learning since everything is constantly changing i.e. the law, people’s requirements and to refresh ones’ knowledge is paramount in today’s challenging job market. We need to be one step in front and a head of our competitors if we are to succeed. Thanks You for helping me achieve this.
Yvonne Watkins
I can honestly say that I have truly enjoyed learning about Microsoft Excel.
The step by step modules (36 of them!), breaking down each part of Excel was easy to understand and absorb. The explanations of each stage was handy for notes as well. The videos were helpful for directions and practise. The worksheets were helpful to put learning into action.
The test at the end was very good in covering many aspects of Excel, however I would have liked to know what I did not get correct. This would have been helpful.
However, I would gladly use a New Skills Academy course again.
Emma Mills
Thoroughly enjoyed this course. Have decided to change my career path but have no real experience or qualifications in the job I really want to do.
I have always wanted to work with animals but ended up in the retail sector. While I do enjoy that, I feel now is the time to get out there and do what I want to do. I have sent in my CV to a dog groomer near me with a copy of my certificate attached. Fingers crossed!
I enjoyed this Diploma so much I shall be having a go at another pet/dog related one in the very near future!
Claire Hall
I really enjoyed the course. I found it very informative and straightforward.
It provided me with all facts and details about payroll, how to run it smoothly and how to communicate with HMRC. I like the format of the written information, it selects vital facts to remember and highlights the most important information that should be learnt.
Even with all the reading required, it kept me interested during whole course. The exam covers everything that should be learnt during the course and the diploma looks professional. I have learnt a lot. Thank you! I will return for some more courses.
Agata Kwiatkowksa
I cannot recommend this course enough, and after seeing the standard of my current course, I can only assume others are to the same high standard.
One of the first things you will notice about the course is just how informative it is. The information given is in depth and intelligently written. I felt within the first 15 minutes of starting, I had a genuine understanding of the requirements of my course and the ways in which it would benefit me.
I have been working in hotels now for a few years and have made the step forward into a management role. This course has given me great confidence in my own abilities and is helping me understand just how much work goes into managing a hotel.
I cannot recommend this course enough! If you’re thinking of taking the plunge, perhaps making a career change or just starting out like me, then this course is the platform you need to boost your success.
Liam Hubbard
Easy to use! Fantastic! It has massively helped me whilst I have been working in Human Resources.
I couldn't ask for anything better.
I can't wait to start another course with you! Definitely worth every penny and I would highly recommend I was also able to brush up on my excel knowledge too which is really imperative in my role.
Before I started the course I had little knowledge on how to use Excel I am now a Excel wiz! Such a fantastic course I would recommend it to anyone working in HR or looking to get into HR
Eva Stenson
Why you should study with us
Learn with confidence...
RRP
$100
Get a FREE Course
Tick this box to Sign up for our newsletter, and get access to the Interview Skills and CV Writing Certificate course for free! By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice & Cookie Policy and to receive marketing and related emails from academy+ brands. You can unsubscribe at any time.What our students say about us...
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
Lovely course for people who want to know the basics and of sign language. It's has helped me to get more of an understanding and will greatly benefit me in my workplace. So easy to pick up and the videos were easy to understand. Would definitely recommend to anyone.
Chloe Hambly
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
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
Excellent course, well explained and easy to understand. The course can be done at my own pace and is available on various devices. The layout of the course was excellent and the notes options is very good. The content is perfect and well structured, making it easy to understand and follow. I will definitely be taking more courses in the future.
Luis Costa
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 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
This course is a great way to brush up on my rusty excel skills, I recommend this course to anyone looking for something to do during lockdown, it's easy to use and talks you through each stage step by step. It has given me the confidence I need to further my career.
Georgia Darke
