What does a Merchandiser do?
Merchandisers typically work in retail environments, setting up product displays to help increase sales. For brick-and-mortar store locations, the Merchandiser considers the store’s layout to find the best spots for product placement and determines how to best create those displays.
For online businesses, the Merchandiser may help determine how to present images of products on the website and create collections or special promotions to increase the visibility of products.
Merchandisers may be responsible for tracking sales and revenue to determine how well different products are selling. This information can help them decide if they need to adjust the presentation, create special offers or make other merchandising changes that could help increase profits for the business. Data about what customers want, need and prefer can also help a Merchandiser make decisions.
Merchandiser skills and qualifications
While the qualifications may vary, it’s common for Merchandiser candidates to have certain prerequisite skills and qualifications that are related to the job duties. You might list the following in your Merchandiser job description:
- Analytical skills to evaluate sales data and customer behavior
- Visual merchandising skills used to create effective product displays
- Ability to use inventory management software, spreadsheets and similar programs
- Attention to detail and creativity
- Effective short-term and long-term strategic planning
- Industry- and product-specific knowledge
- Inventory management skills, including optimal stock levels
- Ability to prepare and deliver presentations to managers, staff and suppliers
Merchandiser experience requirements
It’s common for Merchandiser candidates to begin in entry-level retail positions, such as Retail Sales Associates, where they can gain knowledge of stocking shelves, managing product levels and understanding what customers want.
Some candidates might also transition into Merchandiser roles after working in marketing, stocking or inventory management. If the Merchandiser role includes leadership responsibilities, candidates may need to have several years of merchandising experience or managerial experience.
Merchandiser education and training requirements
Merchandiser roles typically do not have formal education requirements, making them well-suited for a skills-first hiring approach. Instead of only focusing on degrees, consider looking for candidates with hands-on experience in retail, strong inventory management skills and the ability to analyze sales trends and consumer behavior.
While some candidates may hold a degree in supply chain management, marketing, business administration or related fields, many develop the necessary skills through on-the-job training or by working in similar roles within the retail industry.
By emphasizing relevant skills and practical experience, you can attract quality candidates who are ready to succeed in a fast-paced merchandising environment.
Merchandiser salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Merchandiser is $12.68 per hour. The specific salary you offer may vary based on the location, skills required, experience and company.
Merchandiser salary expectations
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Common salary:
12.20 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
7.25 -30.65 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
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Merchandiser job description FAQs
Who does a Merchansider report to?
The reporting structure for a Merchandiser often depends on the size of the company. It’s possible for a Merchandiser to report to the Store Manager in a retail setting. In a smaller organization, they might report directly to the Owner. Another possible reporting structure is for the Merchandiser to report to the Marketing Manager, particularly when the role has a heavy emphasis on marketing.
What settings do Merchansiders typically work in?
Merchandisers can work for any type of retail establishment, with the storefront being a common work location. They might work on building displays and training employees on location. This could include boutiques, special stores, department stores, grocery stores or other retailers.
Merchandisers who work for chains might travel to different locations without a particular region to check in on displays or help set up displays for new products. It’s also possible that a Merchandiser will spend time in the warehouse to evaluate inventory levels, and they may spend time in the office analyzing data.
What is the difference between a Merchandiser and a Buyer?
Both Merchandisers and Buyers handle a retail store’s products, but they often handle different aspects. Buyers often spend more time researching and purchasing merchandise to display in the store. This might involve meeting with suppliers and negotiating deals on prospective products the store could sell.
Merchandisers focus on how to display the items that the Buyers select for the store. They deal with getting the products sold rather than selecting what products the store should sell.
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