Retail Merchandiser

Retail Merchandisers ensure that a company's products are available in specified stores and that stock is replenished as needed. Most Retail Merchandisers understand marketing and increase interest in a business.

Some titles for Retail Merchandiser are:

• Merchandise Specialist: They increase retail sales by designing eye-catching product displays in a store.
• Merchandise Coordinator: Such professionals supply customers with current and presentable brand products.
• Merchandise Associate: They are responsible for stocking the store, managing the shelf, and keeping the sales floor view appealing to customers. Merchandise Associates deal with customers and may be asked to help with any tasks on the sales floor.

Some roles and responsibilities of a Retail Merchandiser are:

• Maintaining polite and friendly relationships with all stakeholders to uphold the reputation and promote activities, as well as identifying and examining market trends and rival company promotion to maintain optimum product displays properly.
• Conducting an interview, focus group discussions, and study research to determine the viability of products, product-related concerns, and potential market gaps.
• Securing the most profitable locations in each store, appealingly positioning products, and maintaining a regular inventory check to ensure that stores are always stocked with sufficient supplies.

The basic qualification required for a Retail Merchandiser is:

• Should have a bachelor's degree in Marketing, Finance, or a related field

The career paths of a Merchandiser in India are promising, and working as a Merchandiser at larger companies in higher-paying positions can be very rewarding. One can start as a Retail Merchandiser and progress to Store Manager, Officer manager, or Sales Manager. Later, after gaining some years of experience, one can eventually achieve the title of General Sales Manager, District manager, or Regional Sales Manager. Some alternate job roles for Retail Merchandiser are:

• Sales Merchandiser: Executes sales strategies and merchandising plans to drive revenue and meet customer demands.
• Brand Representative: Represents and promotes the brand, ensuring customer satisfaction and brand awareness.
• Retail Salesperson: Assists customers in making purchases, providing product information and creating a positive shopping experience.
• Visual Merchandising Manager: Designs and implements visually appealing displays and layouts to attract customers and optimize sales.
• Merchandising Supervisor: Oversees the merchandising activities, ensuring proper product placement and maximizing sales potential.
• Merchandise Team Lead: Leads a team of merchandisers, coordinating tasks and ensuring the smooth operation of merchandise activities.
• Retail Specialist: Specializes in a specific retail area, offering expert knowledge and assistance to customers and colleagues.
• Merchandise Planner: Develops and implements merchandise plans based on market trends and sales analysis to optimize inventory levels and meet financial targets.
• Merchandise Analyst: Analyzes sales and market data to make strategic merchandise recommendations and improve overall performance.

The Indian Retail Industry is estimated to be worth $180 billion, accounting for 10% of the country's GDP (gross domestic product). It is expected to grow at 11-12% per year. India is ranked sixth in the global Retail development index, with each metro expected to have 1000 to 1500 stores by next year. Around 60% are expected to be in fashion and lifestyle, with visual Merchandising being a key area for this.
By 2020, the Retail Merchandiser sector is expected to double from $600 billion to $1 trillion. Despite the steady rise of e-commerce, the offline Retail industry, which includes both large players/chains and small brick-and-mortar stores, has held its own and is expected to grow at a 10% annual rate, putting India ahead of China by 2025.