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2. Career as a Fashion Merchandiser

3. Introduction - Fashion Merchandising is all about coordinating various processes that play a vital role in setting fashion trends and analyze changing market trends. A fashion merchandiser is involved at every stage of the garments development involving manufacturing, buying, promoting and selling fashion items. Fashion merchandisers purchase materials required for production, price the finished garments and liaise between the production line and the marketing of finished garments. The job involves an understanding of market demand and coordination of the production process. It is basically a behind the curtain career which forms an integral part of the fashion industry.

4. Options within Fashion Merchandising: Merchandising mainly revolves around certain stages namely – Product Development, Sampling Stage, Production Stage, Visual Merchandising. Merchandisers along with fashion designers develop market specific products that meet the customer requirements. Merchandisers translate the specifications from the buyers to fashion designers and production team. The merchandisers negotiate with the buyers by giving them samples and carry out modifications according to their advice and opinions. On Merchandisers handle the procurement, quality check, packaging, dispatching and other functions of the production stage. One of the most important role of a merchandiser is Visual merchandising, where in he uses the concept of window to attract consumers.

5. Industry: The Indian fashion industry has gained international acclaim and recognition at several global forums. Between 2008 and 2012, the Indian fashion industry is expected to grow 178%, and reach USD 189 MM by 2012. Industry growth in India is mainly driven by the growing exposure of domestic designers at international forums, but growth is also supported by other factors such as the launch of focused business education courses for emerging designers and the establishment of an industry association. Rising affluence has increased brand awareness among Indian consumers. According to the "Nielsen Global Luxury Brands Study", India is among the most brand conscious countries in the world, with 35% of Indian survey respondents reporting to buy designer brands. The Indian School of Business (ISB) launched a program on 'Business of Fashion: Strategic Brand Management' in 2005

6. Nature and Level of Work: One can work as: Assistant Merchandisers Fashion Advertising Agent Store Manager Fashion Product Developer Fashion Promotion Specialist Window Dresser Production Manager among others. ( Remuneration ranges between 10,000 pm to 35,000 pm for a beginner.) Essential Skills: Interest in fashion, an eye for detail, creative and imaginative talents , Communication and coordination skills, team spirit, awareness of cultures and fashion through ages

7. Educational Requirements: Various institutes offer courses at the graduate and postgraduate level. Some institutes also offer diploma courses. Graduate Level Course: 10 +2 pass. Post Graduate Level Course: Graduate Postgraduate Certificate in Fashion Buying and Merchandising Postgraduate Certificate in Fashion Postgraduate in Apparel Merchandising Master in Fashion Merchandising

8. Study Further: Other Diploma and Certificate courses are offered by many fashion institutes. There are some international programmes that can be pursued. Fashion Merchandising Institutes in India: Forums discussing Fashion Merchandising Courses in India: Videos related to Fashion Merchandising Projects related to Fashion Merchandising

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