This unit requires the team member to apply knowledge of research and fixture and display systems and store design to analyse retail outlet or specific store area merchandising requirements and develop plans for merchandising and in store presentations in response to client briefs. This unit applies to frontline visual merchandising team members and managers.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Research fixturing systems.

1.1

Determine styles, prices and correct usage and assembly of a wide range of merchandisers through research and supplier visits.

1.2

Demonstrate correct merchandising on fixtures to client satisfaction.

1.3

Demonstrate correctly balanced merchandise placement on wall fixture systems to industry standard.

2

Conduct merchandising analysis.

2.1

Identify and negotiate parameters of the brief with a retail industry client.

2.2

Negotiate specific client needs to be included in analysis.

3

Develop merchandising plans.

3.1

Produce wall and floor fixture and merchandising plans to industry standard and address the specific needs of the retail outlet.

3.2

Detail the key physical elements of the outlet that affect merchandising performance.

3.3

Develop scale-rendered versions of exterior elevation, interior perspective, fixture placement (plan), and stock placement (elevation) as required and to industry standard.

3.4

Produce an illustrated report on the process of remerchandising the store's product is produced.

3.5

Predict sales figures before and after remerchandising.

4

Research, obtain and maintain mannequins.

4.1

Determine styles, purchase prices, hire prices and methods of presentation of store mannequins through research and visits to industry suppliers.

4.2

Develop and maintain a working file of mannequin looks, styles and poses, specific manufacturers and suppliers.

4.3

Obtain mannequins for specific merchandising projects according to store policy.

4.4

Demonstrate correct assembly techniques for a variety of store mannequins according to industry standard practice.

4.5

Implement industry standard procedures to ensure cleanliness and safe storage for mannequins.

4.6

Care for and store mannequin wigs according to industry standard practice.

5

Develop fashion presentations.

5.1

Arrange and group male and female fashion presentations according to designated design principles.

5.2

Produce industry applicable marker concept layouts for a range of visual presentations.

5.3

Select wigs and assemble and dress mannequins according to industry standards and client image requirements.

5.4

Install and arrange mannequins in situ according to planned themes.

5.5

Produce and install suitable props as required to suit the storyline of the display.

5.6

Implement industry standard presentation site housekeeping procedures and relevant OHS principles.

6

Develop fabric presentations.

6.1

Develop budget, mid-range and upmarket concept sketches for the visual presentation of fabrics using mannequins.

6.2

Develop fabric presentations involving suitable industry standard stylistic arrangements targeting the specific market sector.

6.3

Create and install suitable signage, depicting price and typographic design in harmony with the product presented.

6.4

Create and apply strategic compositional design themes to fabric displays.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

interpersonal communication skills to:

identify and negotiate parameters of a brief

negotiate specific client needs through clear and direct communication

ask questions to identify and confirm requirements

share information

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret non-verbal communication

creative thinking skills

design application

illustration skills

report writing skills

analytical skills

fabric draping and folding skills.

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:

the elements and principles of design

20th century store design trends

contemporary store design issues

commercially available fixtures, fittings and store display equipment, including styles, purchase prices, hire prices and methods of presentation of store mannequins

copyright and intellectual property issues and legislation, and their impact on design practice

the psychological and marketable characteristics of colour in visual merchandising.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

research leading to the identification and application of merchandising fixtures and fittings

a merchandising analysis in response to client requirements

wall and floor fixture and merchandising plans that meet industry standards and address the specific needs of the retail outlet

a current file of styles, purchase prices, hire prices and methods of presentation of store mannequins determined through research and visits to industry suppliers

an illustrated report on the process of remerchandising a store's product

a range of fashion presentations using selected male and female mannequins

strategic visual presentations for fabric displays

answers to questions on standard procedures for the care, maintenance and storage of mannequins.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

a real or simulated retail work environment

relevant documentation, such as:

OHS requirements

industry codes of practice

information and performance data on existing merchandising concepts

information and performance data on retail floor and wall fixturing systems

information on:

client requirements

current merchandise range and concepts

store image

retail design trends

materials.

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of performance in the workplace

a simulated retail merchandising in-store design project

third-party reports from a supervisor

a folio of personally developed designs

an illustrated report on the process of remerchandising a store's product

client feedback

answers to questions about specific skills and knowledge

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically in the context of the job role and with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below.

Merchandisers may include:

freestanding

fixed

bench styles.

Clients may include:

internal managers

external retail industry clients.

Merchandise may include:

fashion

fabrics

fashion accessories

cosmetics

confectionery

food and drinks

homewares

books.

Specific client needs may include:

gathering data on existing product holdings

producing a stock analysis related to the brief

listing current stock categories

identifying the perceived customer target market

producing an analytical written report as part one of the full merchandising plan.

Wall and floor fixture and merchandising plans may include:

entrance

exterior architecture

windows

promotional areas

signage

price points

lighting

counters

fixed

freestanding

merchandisers

fixed

freestanding

racks

storage

models

traffic patterns.

Store mannequins may include:

male

female

adults

children

infants.

Designated design principles may include:

formally balanced grouping

asymmetrical grouping

minimalist grouping

dynamic grouping

harmonious grouping

rhythmic grouping.

Compositional design themes may include:

drama

harmony

glamour

fun

formality

leisure.

Sector

Retail

Merchandising

The required outcomes described in this unit contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit is packaged will assist in identifying employability skills requirements.