The Certificate of Visual Merchandising equips you with the creative and practical skills to transform ordinary retail spaces into unforgettable customer experiences.
Explore how iconic brands like Apple, Zara, MECCA, and Bunnings use visual storytelling to influence shopping behaviour, boost sales, and express their brand identity – and apply these techniques in your own projects.
In this online visual merchandising course, you will explore the psychology of shoppers, smart store layouts, and design principles, including balance, colour, contrast, lighting, props, and signage. You’ll also learn to create displays that attract interest, encourage purchases, build brand loyalty, and track success using retail metrics and customer insights.
You will discover strategies for product storytelling, cross-merchandising and building eye-catching seasonal or promotional displays. You’ll also learn how to work with briefs, planograms and schedules, make the most of limited budgets, and problem-solve common challenges in the fast-paced world of retail.
On completion of this course, you’ll feel confident to pursue career opportunities in retail, marketing, creative direction and store design.
Course Structure
Certificate of Visual Merchandising
Unit 1: Introduction to Visual Merchandising
- What is visual merchandising?
- Visual merchandising examples
- Why visual merchandising matters
- Case study: Apple stores
- Visual merchandising vs branding vs marketing
- Case examples
- ZARA
- MECCA
- Bunnings
Unit 2: Understanding the Customer Journey
- Customer behaviour in stores
- Browsing vs purposeful shopping
- Layout approaches
- The psychology of first impressions
- Case study: MECCA
- The customer journey stages
- Different customer types
Unit 3: Principles of Visual Design
- The fundamentals of design principles
- Balance
- Contrast
- Colour
- Repetition
- Focal points
- Lighting
- Signage
- Props
- Flow and hierarchy
- Composition techniques
- Space and avoiding clutter
- The golden ratio
- Adapting design principles across store sizes
- Large and small stores
- Pop-ups and temporary spaces
Unit 4: Creating Effective Product Displays
- Storytelling through displays
- Cross-merchandising and product grouping
- Seasonal, promotional and thematic displays
- Avoiding clutter
- Effective windows and in-store displays
Unit 5: From Strategy to Execution
- Connecting strategy to brand and sales goals
- Brand identity
- Supporting sales goals
- Planning displays
- Timelines, themes and checklists
- Planograms and display briefs
- Working with limited budgets and resources
- Involving the team
- Common challenges and solutions
Unit 6: Measuring Success
- Measuring the impact of displays
- Metrics
- Gathering feedback from customers and staff
- Refreshing and rotating displays
- Trends and innovations
- Continuous improvement
- Careers and pathways
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Click to View a Selection of Testimonials for the Certificate of Visual Merchandising
Studying with Australian Online Courses was very educational, and was simple to follow and navigate through the system.
Diano, Deception Bay, QLD | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
I really enjoyed my experience with AOC. I was able to complete all modules at my own pace with the perfect amount of content provided. It assisted me in launching my career in the Visual Merchandising department and I am now much more knowledgeable in this area.
Gledhill, Penrith, NSW | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
It was a good learning experience that added to the skills and knowledge I already had.
Christie, Emu Plains, NSW | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
The unit information was easy to access and all subjects were thoroughly covered, overall a great learning experience.
Gallardo, Hurstville, NSW | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
I found the course was thorough in the development of my career and gave great insight into the expectations of this role
A.Bolin, Lisarow, NSW | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
While being a single mum, as well as working full-time, I have found this course to be easy to complete in my free time.
The lessons are easy to understand and enjoyable.
Genief | Ferntree Gully, VIC | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
Studying with Australian Online Courses was easy to understand and navigate. I loved that I could complete assessments in my own time and was not pressured to complete tasks.
Ayla | Bli Bli, QLD | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
I really like the details of the courses. I discovered plenty of information that I was not initially aware were part of visual merchandising but as I went through the classes realised it all made sense.
Beatrice | Peguy-Ville Haiti | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
I thoroughly enjoyed the course and have already created my own plan on how I can implement the data learned into a simple brief, for planning, displays, safety checklist audits, standardised documents.
Katrina | Bundaberg, QLD | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
The course was easy to flow through. And if I had questions the were answered well and in a timely manner.
Michelle | Sunshine Coast, QLD | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
I found this course informative and well rounded
Woodhouse, Boulia, QLD | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
It was user friendly. Could work at my own pace.
Rodriguez, Willoughby, NSW | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
Fantastic! Easy to navigate through and very informative
Haunold, Kooringal, NSW | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
Been fantastic, thank you for all your assistance and support
Pantic, Kensington, NSW | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
I found studying online a very simple and convenient way of gaining a new qualification. I would highly recommend AOC to others
Gilley, Old Beach, TAS | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
The experience was very good, information was well written and presented.
M.Bartucca, Airport West, VIC | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
I have enjoyed my online studies and have been very pleased with receiving help from mentors when required.
Joanne | Coolbinia, WA | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
It was easy to complete within my own time, which suited my needs.
Madisyn | Capital Hill, ACT | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
I really enjoyed the content – so much applied to my job. When I needed to ask questions I got a pretty quick response.
It confirmed the things that I was already doing on a day-to-day basis and has given me more confidence in my role.
Being more of a hands-on learner, I did struggle at times to simply read all the information and answer the questions. BUT I persevered and feel proud that I have completed the course!
Thank you!
Amy | Marino, SA | Certificate of Visual Merchandising
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Afterpay: Within 1-2 working days
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Visual Merchandiser
- Senior Visual Merchandising Coordinator
- Retail Sales Assistant
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