Virginia's Merchandising pathway develops expertise in product displays, inventory management, pricing strategy, retail buying, visual merchandising, and sales promotion—preparing students for careers optimizing retail sales through merchandising.
Students study merchandising principles, display design, inventory systems, pricing strategies, buying basics, visual merchandising, and promotional planning. They create displays and practice merchandising through retail partnerships.
Graduates work as merchandisers, visual display designers, retail buyers, merchandising coordinators, or product specialists. Retail stores and wholesalers require merchandising professionals. Advanced students pursue retail management and business programs.
Merchandising at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's merchandising standards address display design, inventory management, pricing, buying, visual merchandising, and sales promotion. Standards align with retail industry practices.
Students demonstrate competency through display projects and merchandising planning. The state integrates retail systems and visual design.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Merchandising Fundamentals |
| Visual Display and Design |
| Inventory and Pricing Management |
| Retail Buying and Promotion |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist - Word
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist - PowerPoint
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Photoshop
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Illustrator
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - InDesign
- ✓National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
- ✓Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certificate
- ✓Google Analytics Certification
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Merchandiser
Entry LevelSalary range: $28,510 - $36,690
Visual Display Designer
Entry LevelSalary range: $46,940 - $106,250
Merchandising Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $37,940 - $61,100
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at retail stores, department stores, and buying offices throughout Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in DECA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Virginia
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