Visual Merchandiser at Old Navy?

Question

I have a job interview tomorrow at ON, and I was wondering what the job was like, and what you typically do when you're at work, and what the interview process is like specifically for this position. Thank you!

Answer 1

This answer's going to be long, because I've been a retail fashion merchandiser for 15 years (but never for the Gap group of stores). Recently, I was a senior visual merchandiser for a large Canadian fashion group and I enjoyed my job. I’m not sure if you’ve worked as a merch before but it can be a fairly physical job that also requires a good asthetic sense and attention to detail.

You would likely be responsible for:

- Receiving all new stock. This involves some heavy lifting and usually the use of a computerized inventory system. You may be responsible for tracking lost shipments, special orders, transfer in/outs, etc.  

- Keeping stock room clean organized

- Putting all new stock out on floor. You will have to work the new items into the appropriate merchandise zones (see below). You may also be required to steam items before putting them out.

- Implementing visual directives. Directives are like pictograms or elevations that come from head office that show how corporate wants the clothing displayed. The directive breaks the store layout down into zones that portray certain seasonal themes and colour stories. This means lots of moving stuff around including clothes and store fixtures (shelves, bars, racks, etc.); this can be quite physically demanding. Following the directives also often involves changing mannequins and creating window displays (so fun!).  

- Creating your “own directives” occasionally when corporate information is not up to date or is not available. This lets you have some creativity but you still need to follow the “rules”. To do this you need to be creative, adaptable and know your product well.

- Implementing store visual standards. This means making sure all clothing is displayed properly, according to specific company standards (in size order, hung or folded properly, etc.). You may have to work with the sales associates to make sure they are implementing these standards when they are putting clothes away and when doing “general house keeping”.

- You may also have to write merchandise reports for head office, giving them feedback about the directive, the popular items in your store, issues with quality control, etc.

- Answering a million questions a day from sales staff in regards to the location, stock levels and care of specific items.

Merchandisng experience is always an asset, but not always a requirement. The last junior merch I hired had no experience but during the interview she showed that she was eager to learn, organized and a good listener. Passion can trump experience in some cases.

Tonight, jot down the questions you want to ask the interviewer. Bring those with you tomorrow, as well as an extra copy of your resume and three references so you have that info available if it's needed. Dress professionally (no minis or revealing tops), but be sure to show off your unique style. Wear a cute Old Navy piece if it's appropriate. Impress your interviewer by learning about  the Gap group of stores (this is as easy as going online). Show up a bit early (10 or so minutes), and just listen, relax and be yourself.

If it’s something you really want to do, I say go for it! Merchandisers often go on to work for head office and have great fun developing displays for the entire company.



Good luck with your interview! Keep us posted :)

Nik-C

Answer 2

The visual merchandiser position was eliminated from the entire fleet of Old Navy stores effective June 10th. The only positions that remain are in Flagship stores. As a former Old Navy Visual Merchandiser who was laid off in June, I can give you a good idea of what the job is like.

Your day is varied on a day to day basis depending on if it is a shipment day, if there are markdowns, if there is signage to be done, etc.

If there is shipment you will be responsible for assisting the shipment team and directing product placement and also coaching logistics assoicates with more specific details as far as color order, stack heights and company visual guidelines go.

You will partner with your gm and logistics manager to make key decisions on what to "flex" in with corporate's monthly visual display guidelines.

You will also spend a good deal of time working on visuals...mannequins, displays, any marketing, window clings, promotional stuff etc.

In order to excel  at this position you will need to be detail-oriented, have a good visual eye, understand business trends, and really have a passion for merchandising. This job is a very hands on job that is extremely rewarding because all of your hard work is reflected in the way that the store comes together and looks great.

As a visual merchandiser you are not considered a manager or supervisor, however you are considered to be in a "leadership" position and need to set a good example for fellow associates.

The interview process is different depending on which district you are in. Most likely you will interview with the General Manager at the store you are going to work at. You may or may not go through a second interview with the District Manager. I didn't, however I was supposed to.

More info:

The hours you will work will vary but probably look like 7-4 or 6-3 or 8-5 depending on what type of workload you have and if there is a shipment. Shipment days are normally monday, tues, and thurs at larger volume stores and to have a VM, i know it's a larger volume store you'd be working for. Be aware that there WILL be overnight shifts from time to time...6pm to 2 or 3am.

This position also holds a lot of potential for advancement. A lot of VMs that stayed with ON after the big layoff were promoted into management positions.

I would dress up for your interview. It never hurts to be overdressed at an interview. It shows you take the job seriously. I would suggest you do some research on the company, since they will ask you why you want to work for old navy. Just be positive and confident in your merchandising skills and I'm sure you'll get the job.