Retail Merchandiser

Retail merchandisers are responsible for ensuring that the right goods appear in shops and stores at the correct price. Liaising with retail buyers, who select the product ranges, merchandisers decide on the exact quantity of goods to order and specific stock levels for each store. They also set selling prices of items, and plan promotions and price reductions.
Retail merchandisers typically work Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to cover busy periods. The work is mainly office based, but it can also involve some travel to visit stores and suppliers, and to attend trade shows. Some trips may involve overnight stays away from home.
Salaries range from around £15,000 to £50,000 or more a year.
Retail merchandisers need:
excellent commercial awareness
an understanding of what motivates customers to buy products
good analytical and numerical skills
the ability to take decisions and remain calm when under pressure
confidence when leading negotiations
an interest in retail and their chosen product sector.
Around 12,000 people are employed as retail merchandisers in the UK. Employers include fashion retailers, department stores, multiple chain stores, supermarkets, wholesale suppliers, manufacturers, mail order companies, internet retailers and television shopping providers. Many merchandising jobs are based in head offices, the majority of which are in London and the south east of England.
Entrants normally have a degree or higher national diploma. Employers often prefer qualifications to be in a business or mathematical subject, for example marketing, retail management, business management, maths or statistics, or economics. It may also be possible to enter retail merchandising with A levels/H grades. Retail work experience is advantageous. Apprenticeships in Retail may be available.
Many large retail organisations run general store management training schemes for new entrants. This may involve working in different head office and in-store departments, including merchandising, to gain a solid business understanding. Once established in the job, retail merchandisers may study for professional qualifications or work towards vocational qualifications, such as an NVQ/SVQ in Supply Chain Management (at Levels 2 to 5).
With experience, retail merchandisers may be able to become senior merchandisers, and potentially reach manager or director level. In some cases, it may be necessary to relocate or move companies in order to progress. Some retail merchandisers become retail business analysts or self-employed retail consultants.