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Retail Merchandiser

Do you want to become a Retail Merchandiser? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

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Retail merchandisers decide on the range of goods or merchandise that a store will sell. They are responsible for ensuring the products appear in the right store, at the right time and in the right quantities, so that they sell at a profit. They may work for a number of different organisations including large retail stores and supermarkets.

The work involves:

• planning the range of goods to be sold
• discussing the choice of packaging design with the supplier
• agreeing with the supplier on a delivery date
• liaising with buyers on the goods to be sold
• setting price and sales targets
• planning budgets
• managing the performance of the range.

Merchandisers normally work 38 hours a week. They are mainly office based, but they also visit suppliers and stores.

Salaries range from around £12,500 to over £80,000 a year.

Retail merchandisers need:

• a shrewd sense of price and value
• business sense and negotiation skills
• good analytical and numerical skills
• experience and knowledge of spreadsheet applications
• strong communication skills
• an interest in retail
• an interest in customers and their needs.

Around 12,000 people work as retail merchandisers in the UK. They usually work from head offices, the majority of which are in London and the South East. There are more applicants than vacancies.

Entry is normally with a degree or an equivalent qualification, although applicants with A levels/H grades may also be considered if they have previous retail experience. Useful degree subjects include business and management, accountancy and finance, economics, computer science, maths and statistics.

Training is normally on the job. It may include in-house courses on consumer behaviour, assertiveness and time management. Some merchandisers may continue to study towards professional qualifications, such as those offered by the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.

Promotion may be possible to senior and managerial roles. A retail merchandising manager could progress to become head or director of merchandising. There may also be opportunities to work abroad.

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