Merchandiser

Merchandisers assist businesses in increasing sales and profits by ensuring that retail and online stores have the right products in the apt quantities.

Some common titles for Merchandiser are:

• Retail Merchandiser: They ensure that the appropriate goods are available in-store and sold at the appropriate price. Also, they assess individual store needs and how they may differ depending on store size and target demographics.
• Merchandise Specialist: They manage the promotion of the company's products by developing marketing campaigns and facilitating promotional offers through various communication channels.
• Merchandise Coordinator: They ensure that a Retailer's Merchandise is well-maintained and attractively displayed

Some roles and responsibilities for Merchandisers are:

• Stocking sales floor shelves, creating appealing product displays, and determining the need for and carrying out product promotions, price changes, markdowns, clearouts, etc.
• Ensuring that shops, shelves, or online sites are stocked with the appropriate varieties and quantities of products, maximizing sales volume and profit growth by identifying profitable lines and bestsellers and making recommendations for promotional strategies based on sales and pricing data, and collaborating with buyers, suppliers, stores, and distributors.
• Developing and planning merchandising strategies and evaluating sales figures, market conditions, and customer response to determine product requirements.

The basic qualification required for a Merchandiser is:

• Should have a degree in marketing, business, finance, economics, or a related field

A Merchandiser's career prospects in India are promising. It is a vast field with numerous student internships and full-time job opportunities. One can start as a 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 Merchandiser are:

• Salesperson: Executes sales strategies, builds relationships with customers, and exceeds sales targets through effective product knowledge and customer service.
• Merchandise Manager: Oversees inventory, develops merchandising plans, and collaborates with suppliers to optimize product selection and maximize profitability.
• Customer Service Representative: Provides exceptional customer support, resolves inquiries and complaints, and ensures customer satisfaction through effective communication and problem-solving skills.
• Buyer: Identifies market trends, negotiates with suppliers, and selects merchandise assortments to meet customer demands and optimize sales performance.
• Retail Sales Specialist: Possesses in-depth product knowledge, engages customers in personalized experiences, and drives sales by delivering exceptional service and demonstrating product benefits.
• Store Manager: Oversees all store operations, including staff management, inventory control, and sales performance, ensuring a positive shopping experience for customers.
• Cashier: Handles customer transactions, provides accurate product information, and maintains a friendly and efficient checkout process for enhanced customer satisfaction.
• Merchandise Director: Formulates merchandise strategies, directs product development, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to optimize brand positioning and drive sales growth.
• Visual Merchandiser: Creates visually appealing displays, utilizes space effectively, and enhances product presentation to attract and engage customers and drive sales.
• Customer Service Specialist: Offers specialized assistance to customers, resolves complex issues, and provides exceptional support to ensure a positive and personalized customer experience.
• Merchandising Assistant: Assists in executing merchandising plans, conducts market research, and supports the merchandise team in product selection and inventory management.
• Keyholder: Assumes responsibility for store operations in the absence of the store manager, manages staff, and ensures adherence to company policies and procedures.

The Merchandiser / Retail sector is expected to double from $600 billion to $1 trillion by 2020. Despite the steady rise of e-commerce, the offline Retail industry, which includes big players/chains as well as a small brick-and-mortar store, has held its own and is expected to grow at a rate of 10%, putting India ahead of China by 2025.
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 1,000 to 1,500 stores by next year. Around 60% of these are expected to be in fashion and lifestyle, with visual Merchandising being a key area for this.