what is a merchandiser?
As a merchandiser, you work with suppliers, retailers and manufacturers to ensure sufficient product inventory. You are responsible for a product from the moment it is delivered to the retail store. Your job is to ensure it is strategically displayed to increase sales. The role involves handling visual displays and developing merchandising strategies to improve sales of different products.
Merchandisers also organize promotions and advertising campaigns. You work with the suppliers and retailers to develop a successful campaign to promote a brand or specific product. That means you research and gather information on the market trends and customers' reactions to products. After a campaign, you analyze the sales data and report the market changes to manufacturers.
As a merchandiser, you work for a supplier, manufacturer or retailer. Most suppliers and manufacturers hire merchandisers when introducing a new product. When you work for a manufacturer or supplier, you travel to various stores to reorganize a product display. In a retail store, you change the mannequin displays and advertise in-store events to promote sales. The role requires creativity to create attention-grabbing displays and campaigns.
Would working as a merchandiser suit your creativity? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a merchandiser role.
merchandiser jobsaverage merchandiser salary
According to Job Bank, merchandisers take home an average salary of $39,000 per year, which translates to $20 per hour. In an entry-level position, you start with a salary of $31,200 annually, while experienced merchandisers take home over $48,101 annually.
how to increase your earnings as a merchandiser
The average salary of merchandisers fluctuates per region based on demand and the standard of living. When you work in Quebec and Alberta, you earn a higher average salary than in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Working in urban settings may also increase your earning prospects compared to rural areas with low merchandiser demand.
Your qualifications and experience also impact your salary range. When you have minimal experience, you start with a lower salary. However, merchandisers with added qualifications and years of experience bring new expertise and can negotiate a higher salary.
The size of the company you work for also impacts your earnings. When you work for a large company, you are likely to earn more due to the unlimited resources. Merchandisers in permanent positions also receive a higher hourly rate than seasonal merchandisers because of the responsibilities involved.
types of merchandisers
Your work options as a merchandiser include the following:
- retail merchandiser: as a retail merchandiser, you work at a physical retail store that links the manufacturer and the consumer. You specialize in promotional activities like store sales and marketing campaigns, helping to increase sales at the retail outlet.
- visual merchandiser: as a visual merchandiser, you focus on the design and compositional aspects of a product presentation. You ensure the store has adequate lighting and display banners that enhance the product's features to attract customers to the product.
- digital merchandiser: as digital merchandise, you develop strategies to increase product sales online. You specialize in online strategy designs to improve web page layout designs and increase traffic.
working as a merchandiser
Merchandisers have a variety of demanding responsibilities. Explore the specific tasks and work conditions associated with the role.
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what does a merchandiser do?
Some of the primary responsibilities of a merchandiser include:
- collaborating with suppliers: you are responsible for visiting product suppliers and manufacturers and working to negotiate with them for the best prices. A lot of collaboration should occur to line up all of the working parts happening, as stores decide what products to carry and how much of those products to stock.
- creating and organizing campaigns: your job is to promote the visibility and sales of products. That means you organize in-store events and promotions to increase sales of the products. You manage product knowledge and pricing during promotions and create attention-grabbing displays for the sales campaign.
- managing inventory: as a merchandiser, you ensure your manufacturer’s products are available for customers. Hence, you track the product inventory and stock shelves. That includes rotating stock and ensuring proper signage for easy location of the products.
- analyzing data: as a merchandiser, you analyze sales data and other information to make projections about future sales based on the evidence and history so far. You work with other departments that have a part in the company's sales decisions. For example, you work with those in charge of marketing and promotions. Your daily work includes studying marketing trends, consumer habits, and store layouts. Hence, you play a vital role in helping to decide on the most effective ways to advertise products and sales promotions.
- making presentations: since part of your duties includes analyzing sales information, your job involves presenting reports on the growth and other changes taking place in the market. This is a demanding job, as you work against strict deadlines and do a lot of coordinating between different groups of people.
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work environment of a merchandiser
The work environment of a merchandiser is different daily. Some of your work takes place in an office setting. Part of your responsibilities involves making phone calls or sending and receiving emails since you communicate with buyers and suppliers. Working as a merchandiser also involves some travelling. You visit suppliers to discuss production with them and determine the best pricing for your store or client. You also visit stores to assess their layouts and how customers respond to them. This helps you decide the most attractive way to advertise products and create promotions for them.
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who are your colleagues?
As a merchandiser, you collaborate with various retail, warehouse and manufacturing professionals. You work closely with sales associates, buyers and retail store managers. Your colleagues also include warehouse associates, order pickers and warehouse workers. Other professionals you are likely to work with include product managers and marketing managers.
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merchandiser work schedule
As a merchandiser, you typically work full-time. Normally, you work a regular nine-to-five schedule, Monday through Friday. Since the job requires travelling, you occasionally have an irregular day. Some weeks or months are busier than others. Busier days often require overtime hours, mostly if there are supplier issues to resolve. During the busy holiday shopping season, when stores offer more sales and promotions, you also work overtime.
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career opportunities as a merchandiser
You can start your career as a merchandiser without a degree and work your way up. For instance, you can start as a trainee assistant buyer before progressing to a buyer or merchandiser position. Alternatively, start as an assistant merchandiser before progressing to higher roles. As you improve your experience and qualifications, it is possible to climb the ladder and become a merchandising director or a retail store manager.
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advantages of finding a job as a merchandiser through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
merchandiser skills and education
Working as a merchandiser requires the following qualifications and educational requirements:
- education: most merchandiser jobs require a minimum of a high school diploma, but you can improve your chances of landing a job with advanced qualifications. For instance, you require a diploma in retail management and visual merchandising. Some organizations require a university degree in marketing or business-related courses.
- work experience: to work as a merchandiser, you need one to two years of experience in retail sales, stocking and merchandising. When you work in a retail setting, you learn the skills necessary for the role. If it is a merchandising position for a manufacturer or supplier, you require a valid driver’s licence.
competencies and characteristics of merchandisers
The skills and qualities of merchandisers include:
- analytical skills: as a merchandiser, you require competence in working with numbers, analyzing them to see trends and using the data to plan for future product orders. This also requires paying attention to details, not only in the data but in-store layouts, advertising that works, and other details that create a good shopping experience for consumers.
- communication skills: as a merchandiser, it is crucial to be a good communicator. This job involves working with other people, like buyers and suppliers. Your work involves writing emails and making phone calls, but other duties include visiting storefronts or suppliers and working with them to make decisions.
- attention to detail: attentiveness to detail is a critical skill in merchandising since many variables should be considered. Your attentiveness to details helps you keep track of the inventory levels as well as the promotion dates. With your detail-oriented skills, you can create impactful visual displays.
- problem-solving skills: as a merchandiser, you solve numerous problems throughout the day. Many challenges usually arise, like an item on sale being sold out or too much inventory of a product about to expire. Your problem-solving skills help you to think critically and develop solutions.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a merchandiser.
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how much is a merchandiser paid in Canada?
As a merchandiser, your average salary is $39,000 per year or $20 per hour. Entry-level positions start with earnings of $31,200 per year. With experience, your salary can increase to over $48,101 annually. The earnings generally depend on your duties, responsibilities, work experience and skills.
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what is the main role of a merchandiser?
The main role of a merchandiser is to design strategies to improve product sales. You create visual presentations and promotions to boost in-store and online purchases. Your duties include evaluating the store or web page layout to ensure the product placement and display designs facilitate sales.
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how do I become a merchandiser?
To become a merchandiser in Canada, you require a diploma or degree in merchandising or retail management. Any business-related course also prepares you for the role. Aside from educational qualifications, you require a background in retail or sales.
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is merchandiser a stressful job?
The retail industry is a high-pressure environment. In merchandising, stress is caused by changing consumer demands, tight deadlines and high sales targets. With good organizational skills, merchandisers can minimize stress. Having good problem-solving skills and analytical ability also improves your performance.
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what skills does a merchandiser have?
As a merchandiser, you plan and manage product displays, inventory and promotional activities. The role requires creativity to create attractive displays. Your research skills also help you understand customers’ buying habits.
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how do I find a job as a merchandiser?
Finding a job near you as a merchandiser is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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