Merchandiser Further Information

 

 

MERCHANDISER

Job Description 

As a merchandiser, you will be responsible for deciding which goods to stock in which shops and how they should be displayed. In large retail companies, you’re likely to be dealing with a single range of products, while in a smaller company you may be responsible for both the buying and merchandising. Essentially, merchandisers predict trends and fashions and decide which products are most likely to appeal to customers. You’ll analyze sales information, work out sales targets and plan how to increase profits. You’ll visit suppliers or manufacturers to select goods, which is likely to involve working closely with retail buyers. You will also negotiate a price, order the goods, agree a delivery date, complete all the necessary paperwork, and keep in touch with suppliers to make sure that the goods arrive on time. You’ll be working closely with visual display staff and department managers to decide how goods should be displayed to best attract customers’ attention. This might involve planning and setting up sales promotions and advertising campaigns. You 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. Computers play an important part in the work, and are used to handle sales statistics, produce sales projections and present spreadsheets and graphs.

Typical Duties 

• Analyze sales and work out how to increase profit
• Data basing and graphs
• Negotiate prices
• Ordering of good
• Paperwork
• Planning campaigns, sales and promotions

Skills and Interests

To be a successful merchandiser you will need:

• Mathematical ability – to work out budgets and understand sales figures
• The ability to understand what the customer wants
• Business sense and negotiation skills
• The ability to work well in a team
• To be well organized and good at planning
• Good written and spoken communication skills
• Creative flair
• The ability to cope with the pressure of fast-paced work

Job Requirements

Entry is competitive. Usually, you need a degree or BTEC/SQA HND in a retail, marketing or a business-related subject. Some companies may consider you with A levels/Higher or relevant vocational A level/GSVQs level 3, if you have the right skills and qualities. Competition for jobs is very strong, so previous retail or business experience is very useful. You are likely to need a driving license. Some larger retail companies recruit graduate management trainees. Here you’ll work in different departments, learning all aspects of retailing and store management, before specializing in merchandising.

Opportunities

Potential employers include large retail multiples such as Marks and Spencer and Tesco, together with the large independent retailers found in most cities throughout the country. Prospects for promotion are better within the larger companies, and opportunities might include specializing in a particular type or brand of goods, taking responsibility for the merchandising of goods in shops across an entire region, or moving on to other areas of retail management. You may have to move around the country to gain promotion. Opportunities also exist with manufacturers and wholesalers, mail order and internet companies. As a trainee or newly recruited merchandiser, you will usually earn £11,000 – £15,000. More experienced merchandisers earn in the region of £20,000. Senior merchandisers in large retail companies can earn more than £30,000.