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.
The contents on these classes are awesome! I’m currently an architecture student and was a little worried because is an online course and sometimes it leaves doubts or some subjects are not well debated, but I learned so much, it also improved my landscaping knowledge, its satisfying.
I need to say: congratulations for modules organization, the website layout, and the support. Seriously, every once and a while I take online classes and I’m surprised with the New Skills Academy, I totally recommend these classes for anybody that like gardens, also for architecture students – this is essential for our area.
Hopefully I can find something else to study with New Skills Academy!
Letitia Rossett
I did not realise how in depth make up actually was until I actually began the course.
I found the course material very beneficial and it gave me an understanding of how to use all aspects of make up.The videos are extremely helpful and the tutor on them is very precise and clear.
I am exceedingly happy I took this course and it has put me in place for the perfect start. Highly recommend thank you skill academy for giving me the opportunity to better my self at my own pace. The hints and tips are ideal to make notes of xx
Sophie Watson
I really enjoyed this course. It allowed me to go at my own pace, completing modules in my lunch breaks or at home and you can do the modules as many times as you like which suited me.
The modules were explained well, included a clear step by step guide with a video and a spreadsheet to practice on which allowed me to learn the content in different ways. The module content was extremely valuable and taught me how to understand Excel which will lead to saving time in future projects needing Excel.
This course not only includes the very basics but explains some core Excel processes. I recommend this course to all abilities and anyone who needs to use Excel.
Gemma Bytheway
This course was fun and flexible. I could study it at my own convenience, leaving it and going back to it in between my other commitments. I was then required to answer a few multiple choice questions at the end in order to receive my certificate which is stored in my account so that I can download it at any time. It is a good qualification to add to my CV when looking to work with pets. I really enjoyed it and it will benefit me in my future career plans. I would definitely recommend it to friends and family.
Stacey Baigan
This course was great!!!!! Made me knowledgeable in more than one way.
I work in a landscaping company doing all HR and Bookkeeping, but wanted to further my education and start being able to help clients more than just sending them an invoice, I wanted to start designing as well. I am still going back and reviewing the plants knowledge and reviewing just in case.
I love that you can download the modules for future reference, I will definitely be using this as a tool. And possibly taking more classes to further my education. Thanks to this course I am on my way!
Renee Cruz
Great insight into Fraud. Having only dealt with certain areas of fraud such as insurance fraud I am finding this course to be a great help to increase my knowledge and understanding of other types of fraud and areas/industries affected.
Hopefully this will help me to look at pursuing jobs that I would not have the confidence to apply for due to lack of knowledge or understanding.
Mohammad Akhtar
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.
The contents on these classes are awesome! I’m currently an architecture student and was a little worried because is an online course and sometimes it leaves doubts or some subjects are not well debated, but I learned so much, it also improved my landscaping knowledge, its satisfying.
I need to say: congratulations for modules organization, the website layout, and the support. Seriously, every once and a while I take online classes and I’m surprised with the New Skills Academy, I totally recommend these classes for anybody that like gardens, also for architecture students – this is essential for our area.
Hopefully I can find something else to study with New Skills Academy!
Letitia Rossett
I did not realise how in depth make up actually was until I actually began the course.
I found the course material very beneficial and it gave me an understanding of how to use all aspects of make up.The videos are extremely helpful and the tutor on them is very precise and clear.
I am exceedingly happy I took this course and it has put me in place for the perfect start. Highly recommend thank you skill academy for giving me the opportunity to better my self at my own pace. The hints and tips are ideal to make notes of xx
Sophie Watson
I really enjoyed this course. It allowed me to go at my own pace, completing modules in my lunch breaks or at home and you can do the modules as many times as you like which suited me.
The modules were explained well, included a clear step by step guide with a video and a spreadsheet to practice on which allowed me to learn the content in different ways. The module content was extremely valuable and taught me how to understand Excel which will lead to saving time in future projects needing Excel.
This course not only includes the very basics but explains some core Excel processes. I recommend this course to all abilities and anyone who needs to use Excel.
Gemma Bytheway
This course was fun and flexible. I could study it at my own convenience, leaving it and going back to it in between my other commitments. I was then required to answer a few multiple choice questions at the end in order to receive my certificate which is stored in my account so that I can download it at any time. It is a good qualification to add to my CV when looking to work with pets. I really enjoyed it and it will benefit me in my future career plans. I would definitely recommend it to friends and family.
Stacey Baigan
This course was great!!!!! Made me knowledgeable in more than one way.
I work in a landscaping company doing all HR and Bookkeeping, but wanted to further my education and start being able to help clients more than just sending them an invoice, I wanted to start designing as well. I am still going back and reviewing the plants knowledge and reviewing just in case.
I love that you can download the modules for future reference, I will definitely be using this as a tool. And possibly taking more classes to further my education. Thanks to this course I am on my way!
Renee Cruz
Great insight into Fraud. Having only dealt with certain areas of fraud such as insurance fraud I am finding this course to be a great help to increase my knowledge and understanding of other types of fraud and areas/industries affected.
Hopefully this will help me to look at pursuing jobs that I would not have the confidence to apply for due to lack of knowledge or understanding.
Mohammad Akhtar
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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
This is a great course for any level of knowledge. Very easy to navigate, great practical tasks and explanations are very clear. You can revise any module with no problem. The test wasn’t too hard if you completed every module. It may be handy to make some notes before you start. Overall I'm very happy with my choice. Thank you New skills for my New skills :)
Julia Bobkova
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
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
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 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
The course was clearly set out with helpful end of week tests which built my knowledge. Being dyslexic I found the course was set out in an easy to understand way. I was able to pass the test on my first attempt. The downloaded pdf are a useful resource that you can keep forever. Looking forward to the next course
Ross Dunsten
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
