In this article, we’ll look at the best practices for onboarding your new Visual Merchandiser. We’ll look at the employee onboarding process/steps you can add to your own reusable Visual Merchandiser checklist.
Need help with onboarding new Retail team members? See the templates and resources we recommend for successful onboarding experiences.
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Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Visual Merchandiser starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Retail onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Visual Merchandiser, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Visual Merchandiser onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
1. Introduction to company culture and values: The task involves providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s culture, values, and mission. This helps the visual merchandiser understand the company’s core principles and align their work accordingly. Typically, the HR department or a designated company representative performs this task.
2. Familiarization with store layout and product assortment: The visual merchandiser needs to become acquainted with the store’s layout, including different departments, sections, and product categories. This task involves a walkthrough of the store, guided by a store manager or an experienced visual merchandiser.
3. Understanding brand guidelines and visual merchandising standards: The visual merchandiser must be well-versed in the brand’s guidelines and visual merchandising standards. This task involves reviewing brand manuals, style guides, and any other relevant documentation. The visual merchandising manager or a designated trainer typically performs this task.
4. Introduction to visual merchandising tools and equipment: The visual merchandiser needs to become familiar with the tools and equipment used in their role, such as mannequins, display fixtures, signage, and lighting systems. This task involves a hands-on demonstration and training session conducted by the visual merchandising manager or a designated trainer.
5. Training on product knowledge: The visual merchandiser should have a good understanding of the products being sold in the store. This task involves product training sessions conducted by product managers, brand representatives, or experienced sales associates.
6. Learning visual merchandising techniques and principles: The visual merchandiser needs to learn various visual merchandising techniques and principles to create appealing displays and maximize sales. This task involves attending workshops, online courses, or training sessions conducted by the visual merchandising manager or external visual merchandising experts.
7. Collaboration with store operations and sales teams: The visual merchandiser should establish effective communication and collaboration with store operations and sales teams. This task involves introductions and meetings with store managers, sales associates, and operations managers to understand their roles and responsibilities and foster a collaborative work environment.
8. Understanding inventory management and replenishment processes: The visual merchandiser needs to understand the inventory management and replenishment processes to ensure adequate stock levels for displays. This task involves training sessions conducted by the store operations manager or inventory control team.
9. Familiarization with store policies and procedures: The visual merchandiser should be aware of store policies and procedures, including opening and closing procedures, safety protocols, and customer service guidelines. This task involves reviewing employee handbooks, attending orientation sessions, and shadowing experienced employees.
10. Introduction to marketing and promotional activities: The visual merchandiser should be aware of upcoming marketing and promotional activities to align their visual merchandising efforts accordingly. This task involves attending marketing meetings or briefings conducted by the marketing team or store manager.
11. Store-specific visual merchandising guidelines: Each store may have specific visual merchandising guidelines based on its unique layout, target audience, or product assortment. This task involves reviewing and understanding store-specific visual merchandising guidelines provided by the visual merchandising manager or store manager.
12. Store visits and benchmarking: The visual merchandiser should visit other stores within the company or competitors’ stores to gather inspiration, benchmark best practices, and stay updated on industry trends. This task involves scheduling store visits and conducting research independently or with the guidance of the visual merchandising manager.
13. Performance evaluation and feedback sessions: Regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions are crucial for the visual merchandiser’s growth and development. This task involves periodic meetings with the visual merchandising manager or store manager to discuss performance, provide feedback, and set goals for improvement.
14. Ongoing training and professional development: To stay updated with the latest visual merchandising trends and techniques, the visual merchandiser should engage in ongoing training and professional development activities. This task involves attending workshops, conferences, or online courses, and may be self-initiated or supported by the company’s training and development programs.
15. Building relationships with vendors and suppliers: The visual merchandiser should establish relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of visual merchandising materials and props. This task involves attending vendor meetings, trade shows, or networking events, and may be facilitated by the visual merchandising manager or store manager
From reading through the items in the example Visual Merchandiser checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Visual Merchandiser up to speed and working well in your Retail team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.
