List of Careers in Apparel Merchandising & Textile

Careers in apparel merchandising and textiles require education and experience.

The retail industry includes many careers in a variety of areas. You can gain valuable skills by working as a visual merchandiser, buyer or clothing pattern maker. All of these career choices are highly specialized and fall into the apparel merchandising and textile category.

Visual Merchandiser

Visual merchandisers are in charge of creating eye-catching visual in-store displays. They are responsible for the advertising and promotion for major clothing brands and products. Some of the duties of a visual merchandiser include: mannequin dress and display, lighting concept and fixtures, forecasting seasonal trends, creating striking displays, and layout and design. On-the-job training may be available for this type of career. However, candidates can also obtain an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in visual merchandising.

Retail Buyer

A retail buyer is responsible for purchasing the merchandise sold in stores. Buyers travel and attend trade and fashion shows and work with within a budget set by the retail store. Your career as a buyer would be fast-paced, and you need in-depth knowledge of styles and clothing trends. For the most part, buyers are responsible for purchasing goods, working with vendors and sales staff, managing budgets, examining buying habits, and keeping accurate inventory records and sales. Candidates can move up in retail buying positions by interning at a retail store. Although there are formal education programs available for those who wish to become a buyer, buyers usually work their way from the bottom up, often starting as assistants.

Clothing Pattern Maker

Conceptualizing patterns and sketching are part of the duties of a clothing pattern maker. This career choice suits those who are interested in working in the apparel and textile industry but would like to focus on the creative aspect. A clothing pattern maker is skilled in dressmaking and has intermediate to advanced sketching skills. Your career would include drawing patterns for clothing designers, conducting fittings, having knowledge of an array of textiles, and specializing in computer skills using drafting and design software such as computer-aided design. Candidates can take courses leading to a certificate in clothing pattern making, but experience is the most important qualification.

References

• Fashion Schools: Visual Merchandiser Job Description
• California Occupational Guide: Buyer (Retail)
• Fashion Schools: Clothing Pattern Maker Job Description

Resources

• Northern Illinois University: Textiles, Apparel & Merchandising