Fashion lover Paul Cheng Ho-kei enjoys his work as a visual merchandiser with Giordano Group. He says a desk-bound job simply does not suit him.
I became a visual merchandiser about two years ago, after working for a few months as an interior and graphic designer. I joined Giordano Concepts a couple of months back. My background is in interior and graphic design, but I have always been interested in fashion.
I have always wanted to be part of the fashion industry, but I do not want to go back and start all over again working as a tailor.
Visual merchandising is perfect for me. It's an important part of the fashion industry, and at the same time it has a lot to do with my background in interior and graphic design.
My work doesn't involve a precise daily routine, apart from liaising and co-ordinating with different departments and inspecting the stores to make sure the items are positioned correctly. This is very important, because visual merchandising is about maintaining a brand or a company's image by arranging products under a theme in a creative setting.
Our work is somewhat seasonal. For example, we have to work around a general theme for the fall/winter fashion season. During this season, we rotate our window display every month or so.
Window display is a major part of my job. I check with our buyers on what products should be promoted. We come up with ideas on how to highlight the products.