A merchandiser is a professional who monitors inventory levels and product displays in retail stores and submits warehouse reports for approval. Their main duties include submitting warehouse reports for approval, planning and developing merchandising strategies, analyzing sales figures, customers reactions and market trends to anticipate product needs, collaborating with buyers, suppliers, distributors and analysts to negotiate prices, quantities and time-scales. Merchandisers are responsible for product appearance and supply in various stores throughout their designated geographic area. They ensure that the shelves of a retail store are stocked with products and displays them accordingly for customers. They also track inventory levels, report any issues or shortages to management and clean up unwanted items from flagrant violations in-store decorum.

To become a merchandiser, one might work either directly for a company or for a specialized agency. Many stores create their own merchandising departments, but in some cases, they rely on a third-party agency to develop larger creative displays. Relevant internships and previous hands-on experience can significantly increase chances of securing an interview. A merchandising role may open up a wide range of advancement opportunities, including positions within wholesale buying, retail operations, and retail management.

Here are some of the key responsibilities and qualifications of a merchandiser:

Responsibilities:

• Planning and developing merchandising strategies
• Analyzing sales figures, customers reactions and market trends to anticipate product needs
• Collaborating with buyers, suppliers, distributors and analysts to negotiate prices, quantities and time-scales
• Ensuring that the shelves of a retail store are stocked with products and displays them accordingly for customers
• Tracking inventory levels, reporting any issues or shortages to management and cleaning up unwanted items from flagrant violations in-store decorum

Qualifications:

• Strong listening, presentation and decision making skills
• Commercial acumen and the ability to “decode” customers
• BS degree in Marketing or related field
• Product knowledge
• Quality focus
• Customer focus

https://resources.workable.com/merchandiser-job-description https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/merchandiser https://www.repsly.com/blog/field-team-management/merchandiser-job-definition-description-salary https://www.ziprecruiter.com/career/Merchandiser/What-Is-How-to-Become