how do you become a visual design/merchandiser in retail?

Question

I have been in my job as a retail assistant for river island for just over a year, there seems no chance of working up the system in my job to be a Visual Merchadiser (person who deals with putting together the display for the windows..etc). The person who comes in and does this has said she doesnt really know how she got her job, she was offered it by a friend who left the role. She did say I could help her put out the displays when shes there but my managers keep grabbing me for the shop floor as I have "great customer service skills"
I have a degree in textile design but it seems to make no difference, I have listed myself on several websites for jobs in retail and applied but am told I need experience.
I cannot afford to go back and study further as I already owe too much money after my B.A and my retail job is £5.10 an hour I have asked my store managers and they dont know, I have sent emails to job ads asking how I gain the experience they are looking for and they dont know!!

Answer 1

A friend of mine got his window display job by assisting the primary person that held the job. When that person left the company, the job was offered to my friend.

Put together a portfolio of your work, call the person in charge of the window display department, tell him you are interested in the field and would he have time to look at your portfolio.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I'm not really sure how it would work in the UK but this is my experience: I worked in retail for 6 years. I always had a knack for creating displays and making boring planograms look great. I started making and displaying small signs advertising specials and such around the store. I talked to and helped the current visual merchandiser who was part of my company's payroll as you have been doing now. Long story short, I helped her out on as many projects as possible and when she was given a promotion I applied for her job and got it.
If I were you I would look for a company that has in house merchandisers/designers as opposed to one that uses contractors. That way you can learn the ropes and move into a position when it opens. Also, the smaller the store, the better your chances are for opportunities and recognition. In my personal experience a clothing store is not the best place to let your creativity shine through. A shop with accessories, stationery, toys, etc. is your best bet.
I have been approached by a company called Mosaic many times regarding merchandising positions. I cannot vouch for them personally nor do I know if they have any locations outside of the US but you could look into it. Good luck.