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About the Program
Imagine pursuing your passion in the highly creative industry of visual merchandising, the art and science behind retail design and development. You will combine the art of window displays, prop making, graphic design, event planning and photo styling with the science of floor planning, planogramming, branding and marketing, and entrepreneurship. It is the process of creating an inviting and interactive environment for the consumer utilizing a variety of on-trend mediums, materials, software and technology.
This two-year diploma program focuses on project-based, hands-on learning for the creative problem solver! A field placement opportunity is provided in the second year of the program to gain industry experience in the field of visual display and merchandising as well as make some new partnerships with industry members.
Conestoga is the only college offering Visual Merchandising Arts graduates the opportunity to earn a second two-year diploma in Interior Decorating in just one year! Successful students become even more marketable, capable of designing for both commercial interiors and home interiors!
Program Outcomes
Present and coordinate merchandise so that related goods are shown in a unique, desirable and saleable manner.
Communicate ideas professionally using oral, written, and visual skills in order to convey concepts to specified audiences.
Apply sound retail and commercial business practices in order to plan and execute projects that meet client expectations or entrepreneurial goals.
Choose appropriate materials and/or technology to illustrate and display creative concepts and execute project plans in 2 and 3 dimensions.
Synthesize the elements and principles of design to create visually-effective promotional displays.
Utilize digital imagery to effectively communicate concepts for promotional and business purposes.
Research and interpret how past, current, and emerging trends and cultural influences impact consumer behaviours.
Implement various strategies within bricks-and-mortar and/or online retail environments to meet operational goals.
Perform effectively and efficiently using professional interpersonal skills to succeed within independent and collaborative environments.
Brand or re-brand products and services using various marketing techniques to attain a unified identity.
Utilize industry standard tools, techniques, technologies, and best practices to effectively execute concepts.
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Level 1
Course Details
Concept to Completion
ARTS1435
College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085
Creative Technologies I
COMP1136
Conestoga 101
CON0101
Retail Merchandising I
DSGN1350
Introduction to Design - Visual Merchandising Arts
DSGN1490
Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320
Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours
Level 2
Course Details
Scale Modeling
ARTS1200
Creative Technologies II
ARTS2000
Retail Merchandising II
DSGN1480
Styling and Design
DSGN2190
History of Style
HIST1010
Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours
Level 3
Course Details
Creative Technologies III
ARTS2150
Prop Production
DSGN2420
Entrepreneurship
ENTR2050
Field Placement (Visual Merchandising)
FPLT2000
Principles of Retail
MKT2175
Photostyling
PHOT2010
Level 4
Course Details
Retail Merchandising III
ARTS2200
Visual Merchandising Arts Capstone
ARTS2210
Design and Branding
DSGN2250
Event Planning
MKT1350
Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours
Retail Salespersons
Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers
Interior Designers and Interior Decorators
Graphic Designers and Illustrators
Graphic Arts Technicians
Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists
Industrial Designers
Web Designers and Developers
Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
Professional Occupations in Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations
Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers
Corporate Sales Managers
Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations Managers
Health Insurance - $500