Merchandiser

Merchandisers are responsible for ensuring that products appear in the right store at the right time and in the right quantities. This involves working closely with the buying teams to accurately forecast trends, plan stock levels and monitor performance. While the buyer selects the lines, the merchandiser decides how much money should be spent, how many lines should be bought, and in what quantities.
Merchandisers set the prices to maximise profits and manage the performance of the ranges, planning promotions and markdowns as necessary. They also oversee the delivery and distribution of the stock and deal with problems with suppliers as they arise.

Merchandisers work 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.
Merchandisers may also travel to different stores to discuss how well the stock is selling, and make decisions about whether to withdraw, increase or move the stock to another store.
Computers play an important part in the work – they are used to handle sales statistics, produce sales projections and present spreadsheets and graphs.

To work as a merchandiser you need:

• mathematical ability to work out budgets and understand sales figures
• computer skills to produce graphs and spreadsheets
• to be able to understand what the customer wants
• to have commercial awareness 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
• a creative flair
• the ability to cope with the pressure of fast-paced work.

Jobs of this type currently available

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