Retail Merchandiser
What is the work like?
As a retail merchandiser, you would make sure that goods are available in the right stores, at the right time and at the right price. You would work closely with buyers to forecast trends, plan stock levels and monitor how well goods are selling. Although buyers select product ranges, it would be your aim to maximise profits by deciding which lines will sell best, how much to spend on stock and what price to sell at.
Your work would include:
- planning the range of products to be sold, with the buying team
- analysing sales figures and trends
- forecasting future sales and profits, using computer programmes
- setting prices and sales targets
- planning budgets and presenting sales forecasts to managers
- negotiating prices with suppliers, placing orders and making sure that goods arrive on time
- controlling stock levels, moving stock and making sure that best-selling products are always available
- promoting or reducing the prices of slower-selling lines
- visiting suppliers and stores to discuss how products are selling.
You would usually specialise in a particular type of product, such as fashion, food or homewares.
In large retail chains you may be known as a product manager and deal only with one or two product lines, whilst in smaller companies you may be responsible for both buying and merchandising.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a retail merchandiser, most employers will expect you to have a degree or BTEC HND in a business or maths-based subject such as:
- fashion buying and merchandising
- marketing
- retail management
- business and management
- maths and statistics
- economics.
You should check with colleges or universities for exact course entry requirements.
Some employers may consider you with other degree subjects, or with A levels or similar qualifications, as long as you have good analytical and business skills and the right personal qualities. Whatever your qualifications, you should ideally have some experience of working in retail.
Your first job in merchandising will usually be as an allocator, distributor or merchandising administrator. You will then work your way up to assistant merchandiser and merchandiser as you gain experience.
You may be able to get into the retail industry through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually develop your skills mainly on the job, and also attend some formal in-house courses. If you work for a large retail company, you may be trained in merchandising as part of a structured graduate management training scheme.
Your training may include the chance to work towards NVQs at levels 2 to 5 in Supply Chain Management (previously known as Procurement).
Alternatively, as an allocator or trainee merchandiser, your training may include the distance learning course in buying and merchandising from the British Shops and Stores Association.
You may also be able to study for professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) or the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). Your employer may give you the opportunity to work towards these, or you could choose to study independently at a local college or by distance learning. See the CIPS and CIM websites for more information about their qualifications.Where can I go for more information?
Moor HallCookham
Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL6 9QH
Tel: 01628 427500
2 Main Road
Middleton Cheney
Banbury
Oxfordshire
OX17 2TN
Tel: 01295 712277
Easton on the Hill
Stamford
Lincolnshire
PE9 3NZ
Tel: 01780 756777
93 Newman Street
London
W1T 3EZ
Tel: 0800 093 5001
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are around £15,000 to £18,000 a year.
- With experience this can rise to between £20,000 and £40,000.
- Top salaries in large retail companies can reach £50,000 a year or more.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would be mainly office-based but would also spend time visiting stores or suppliers, which could be in other parts of the UK or overseas.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good business sense and an understanding of what customers want
- excellent organisational and planning skills
- good analytical and mathematical skills
- decision making ability
- good communication and negotiation skills
- creative flair
- the ability to work well in a team
- the ability to work under pressure
- good computer skills, especially in using spreadsheets.
What opportunities are there?
You could work for all kinds of retailers (including internet-based), wholesalers and manufacturers. Most jobs are in head offices, which are often based in London and the south east of England.
Jobs may be advertised in the local and national press, employers’ own websites, specialist recruitment agencies and retail trade magazines.
Larger companies usually have a clear promotion structure. With experience, you could become a senior merchandiser, then merchandising manager or director. Alternatively, you could become a retail business analyst or a freelance retail consultant.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open new window):
Retail Week
British Retail Consortium
Drapers Online
InRetail
Jobs In Retail
Retail Careers
The Appointment
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