Visual merchandising – or VM, as it is known in the industry – is an important practice for any retail outlet. It is the challenging task of presenting stock in visually stimulating and engaging displays to draw customers in.

The image building process has enormous potential and visual merchandisers must combine their products, shop space and environment in an appealing way, making the most of the advertising spaces on the floor and, most importantly, the shop window.

Appearing in a film to support the launch of skill VM was Mary Portas, otherwise known by the name of her popular television programme: Mary queen of shops. Portas started her career in visual merchandising at Harrods, where she picked up important skills in terms of catching the attention of passers by and potential customers with unique and exciting window displays. From there she moved to Top Shop as a display manager, then on to Harvey Nichols as marketing director before setting up her own agency. While any display concept depends on the individual style and taste of that designer or shop owner, visual merchandising is a skill for which the principles and techniques can be learnt,” said Portas. “It is an exciting mix of artistic flare and real commercial know how.”