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Job description: Merchandiser
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, merchandisers 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 analyse 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.
Hours and Environment
Merchandisers usually work a 38 hour week, Monday to Friday, but sometimes you'll work much longer hours, for instance during special sales promotions or the opening of a new store.
Most of the work is office-based, but some time will be spent each week visiting regional stores or suppliers. This may involve spending short periods of time away from home. At senior levels this may include travelling abroad - to find new suppliers, select and buy goods, or sort out problems with manufacturers.
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 organised and good at planning
- Good written and spoken communication skills
- Creative flair
- The ability to cope with the pressure of fast-paced work.
Entry
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/Highers 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 licence.
Training
Some larger retail companies recruit graduate management trainees. Here you'll work in different departments, learning all aspects of retailing and store management, before specialising in merchandising.
It's also possible to enter merchandising via a buying or marketing role and internal promotion. This may include study for NVQs/SVQs in Procurement at levels 2 to 4; Retail Operations at levels 2 to 4; Sales at levels 2 to 3; or Sales Management at Level 4. Other qualifications include those offered by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply or the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see: MAPPs (England); Skillseekers MAPPs (Scotland); National Traineeships MAPPs (Wales); and MAPPs (Northern Ireland).
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 specialising 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.
Annual Income
This annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
As a trainee or newly recruited merchandisers, 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.
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