Retail merchandisers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of a product, from the moment it is delivered to the store to the moment the buyer picks it up from the shelf. They are in charge of ensuring that the right quantity of products are available in store and sold at the right price. Through careful planning, purchasing, and promotions, retailers can increase profits and create a positive image to attract customers. To be successful in this role, you need to have strong marketing skills and an understanding of retail trends.
You should also have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as experience in customer service, store management, and sales. As a retail merchandiser, your job is to maximize sales and profits by ensuring that products appear in the right store or website, at the right time and in the right quantities. This involves working closely with purchasing teams to accurately forecast trends, plan stock levels, and monitor performance. There are routes to a career in retail merchandising for both college graduates and school leavers.
College graduates typically study business or general studies, while school leavers may find opportunities with specialized recruitment agencies or through national newspapers and publications such as Retail Week, The Grocer and Drapers. Retail merchandisers must also have an understanding of stock control levels and be able to create displays for stores or distribute training materials on sales tactics. There are also opportunities to work abroad with international retail outlets. Over the next five to ten years, online retail sales will continue to increase while traditional stores are expected to decline.
Retailers can expect to earn the highest salaries at Wayfair, ResMed and Mars.
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