MERCHANDISER

Merchandisers are mostly required to work 35 - 40hour a week.

A retail merchandiser is the person who ensures that products are delivered to the right store at an appropriate time and in the right quantities. The job role involves working with the team who specialises in buy, accurately forecast trends, plan stock levels and monitor performance. The merchandiser decides how much money is to be spent and how many lines should be bought, and in what quantities. Merchandisers also deliver educational materials to the store for the purpose of training new employees or providing guidance in sales tactics for existing workers. They also conduct inventory reports—counting the merchandise at a particular location—and replace old or defective stock.

Merchandisers set prices to maximise profits and manage the performance of ranges, planning promotions and markdowns as necessary. They also oversee delivery and distribution of stock and deal with suppliers.

A visual merchandiser is responsible for the look of the store with the aim of promoting goods in order to maximise sales. A visual merchandiser creates window and in-store displays in shops and department stores. In general, a visual merchandiser will have to oversee tasks related to visual displays, inventory management, store merchandising, product promotion, fashion merchandising, fashion sales, and human resource training.

Visual merchandising team members contribute to the advertising, marketing, and sales efforts of a retail location by designing, developing and taking charge of the visual look of the store and its merchandise. As a member of the in-store merchandising team, you will be executing merchandising strategies by creating and maintaining visual displays in the store windows and on the sales floor. You will also contribute to the profitability of the store with your merchandise handling, replenishment, and inventory control efforts.

Merchandisers may also travel to different stores to discuss how well stock is selling, and make decisions about whether to withdraw, increase or move it to another store. Most of the work is office-based, but some time will be spent each week visiting regional stores or suppliers.