Salem Teen Modeling for Stores

Teenagers in Salem can find work at local malls and stores. Modeling brand clothing and greeting customers is a popular way to enter into the world of modeling. Store modeling in a stepping stone to higher-paying modeling jobs and offers career experience to a young model's resume.

The Valley View Mall offers the largest opportunity for teen store models in the Salem area. Numerous popular brand stores feature back-to-school promotional specials and modeling contests. Rack Room shoes sponsors an annual fall modeling contest chainwide. A Salem High School teen model won the contest in 2008. Ashley Conner began her modeling career by entering a local contest inside of the mall's Rack Room store.

Competition among attractive teens to begin a career as a store model is stiff, even in smaller venues. Locally owned stores offer the best opportunity for novice models to gain experience and payment as a store model. Some stores offer only an opportunity, not payment, for modeling store brand clothing. Payment for teen store models may also come as free clothing or discounts. The more successful the store, the greater chance of establishing a paying modeling gig. Parental permission is required for teen modeling, with local laws governing the number of hours that can be worked per day.

The Tonn Modeling agency boasts a successful reputation among models of all ages. Teen models seeking to model store fashions will greatly increase their chances of garnering a job by working through such an agency. Teen models will need to develop a portfolio of photos for consideration by a store or regional talent agency. Video presentations of the teen models also add an edge during the review process. Models who lack professional experience have the opportunity to impress potential employers and agency professionals by demonstrating personality and stage presence.

Typical requirements for teen models include height and weight guidelines. Teens who plan on modeling junior store fashions must be between a size 2 and 6, and exhibit a fit body. Skin clear of acne and with natural-looking makeup and a healthy glow should be considered a top priority for teen models. Teen models with tanned skinned are given a priority when modeling spring and summer fashions. Teen models are generally at least 5 feet 7 inches tall. Height guidelines differ by store, with overall poise and personality also playing a role in the selection process. Teen models should practice walking in various types of high-heeled shoes and boots before auditioning for a job or meeting a talent agent.

Popular teen fashion chain stores such as Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister and American Eagle routinely seek models for special store promotions and printed advertisements and catalogs. Periodically, stores will host model talent contests, which is one way to become a store model. The chain store managers don't typically choose the teen models. Parents should review store websites and follow the links related to modeling the brand or use the "Contact Us" tab to request consideration.