Merchandiser Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s retail industry, the role of a merchandiser is essential and dynamic.

As retail landscapes evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can expertly manage, enhance, and maximize our product displays and inventories continues to grow.

But what does a merchandiser role truly entail?

Whether you are:

A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this position,
A hiring manager crafting the profile of an ideal candidate,
Or simply curious about the intricacies of merchandising,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable merchandiser job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Contents show

Merchandiser Duties and Responsibilities

Merchandisers play a key role in the retail industry as they are responsible for ensuring that the right amount of goods are available in store and are being sold at the right price.

They work closely with buying teams, analyzing market trends and previous sales patterns to predict what will be popular among customers and ensure that high-quality stock is available.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

Collaborate with buyers, suppliers, distributors and analysts to negotiate prices, quantities and time-scales
Forecast profits and sales, and optimize the sales volume and profitability of designated product areas
Plan product ranges and prepare sales and stock plans in conjunction with buyers
Liaise with shop personnel to ensure supply meets demand
Assess sales performance of different ranges and propose corrective actions
Monitor slow sellers and take action to reduce prices or set promotions as necessary
Analyze every aspect of bestsellers (for example, the bestselling price points, colors or styles) and ensure they reach their full potential
Maintain a comprehensive library of appropriate data
Work closely with visual-display staff and department heads to decide how goods should be displayed to maximize sales
Forecast trends in the industry

Merchandiser Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Merchandiser to ensure that our product displays in retail locations are visually appealing and properly stocked.

The Merchandiser’s responsibilities include visiting retail locations on a regular schedule, setting up and maintaining attractive displays, and ensuring that our products are correctly priced and displayed.

Our ideal candidates have a keen eye for detail and a passion for ensuring that our products are presented in the best possible way to attract and engage customers.

Responsibilities

Visit retail locations to merchandise products according to planograms
Set up and take down marketing displays
Ensure that our products are accurately priced
Maintain inventory and ensure items are in stock
Keep up to date with product information
Accurately report all completed retail activity via appropriate designated systems on the day the work was performed
Communicate with team leads and managers about retail environments and shopper insights

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Merchandiser
Strong customer service skills
Must be able to perform physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials
Ability to effectively communicate with store personnel
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
Must have reliable transportation
High school diploma or equivalent

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Merchandiser
Work Environment: This job requires travel to different retail locations. The work environment will typically be in a retail store setting.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Merchandising Manager or Area Manager.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Merchandiser Do?

Merchandisers play a crucial role in the retail industry.

They are often employed by retail businesses, wholesale distributors, or manufacturing companies.

Their primary job is to ensure that the right amount of goods are in the right stores at the right time and at the right price.

They work closely with buyers and other merchandisers to plan product ranges, manage the production and distribution of stock, and forecast sales and profits.

Merchandisers are also responsible for analyzing sales figures, customers reactions and market trends to anticipate product needs.

They also track the inventory levels, oversee the supply chain management, and make sure that the products are displayed in a way that encourages sales.

In addition, they often work with visual display staff and department heads to decide how goods should be displayed to maximize customer interest and sales.

Furthermore, they may negotiate prices, quantities, and delivery timeframes with manufacturers and vendors to ensure that the company’s retail outlets are always stocked with sufficient quantities of products.

Their role is multifaceted and involves a blend of analytical, negotiation, and creative skills.

Merchandiser Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Merchandiser should possess a variety of skills and qualifications that align with your job description, including:

Strong understanding of retail merchandising concepts and strategies to effectively place and display products to increase sales.
Exceptional attention to detail to maintain consistency in product presentation and ensure all merchandising guidelines are met.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills to interact with vendors and suppliers, as well as with store management.
Ability to analyze sales data and inventory levels to forecast product needs and make informed purchasing decisions.
Proficient in using merchandising software and tools to plan and execute effective merchandising strategies.
Excellent time management and organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.
Physical stamina to move and handle merchandise, standing for extended periods, and to work in various retail environments.
Strong customer service skills to understand and cater to customer preferences, thereby enhancing their shopping experience.

Merchandiser Experience Requirements

Entry-level merchandisers typically have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience, often acquired through internships, part-time roles, or relevant roles in retail or sales.

This allows them to understand the retail environment, customer behavior, and basic merchandising concepts.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience may have held roles such as Assistant Merchandiser or Junior Merchandiser.

During this time, they typically refine their skills in areas such as product selection, visual merchandising, inventory management, and sales analysis.

Merchandisers with more than 5 years of experience usually have a more strategic role.

They may have gained experience in planning and forecasting, managing vendor relationships, and leading merchandising initiatives.

At this level, they may have also developed leadership skills and could be ready for senior or managerial roles in merchandising.

Merchandiser Education and Training Requirements

Merchandisers often have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, fashion merchandising, or a related field.

These degree programs provide a foundation in retail management, consumer behavior, retail operations, and sales skills, among other relevant areas.

In addition to formal education, merchandisers are expected to have strong analytical and numerical skills for inventory management, pricing, and sales forecasting.

A background or familiarity in marketing and visual design can also be beneficial, as merchandisers often have to create appealing product displays and promotions.

Some positions, particularly those in large retail companies, may require merchandisers to have a master’s degree in business administration or a related field.

Certifications in retail management, supply chain management, or visual merchandising could also be beneficial and demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to professional development.

In-depth knowledge of the product or industry in which they are working can often be as important as formal education.

This can be achieved through internships, on-the-job training, or industry-specific certifications.

Merchandiser Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Merchandiser is approximately $30,000 (USD) per year.

However, this can significantly vary based on years of experience, the size and type of the employing company, and the cost of living in the specific geographical location.

Merchandiser Job Description FAQs

What skills does a merchandiser need?

Merchandisers need to have strong analytical skills to understand sales numbers and customer buying patterns.

They should have excellent communication skills to negotiate with suppliers and talk with store managers.

Attention to detail is also important for creating attractive displays.

Other necessary skills include organization, creativity, and the ability to work under pressure.

Do merchandisers need a degree?

While a degree is not strictly necessary for a career in merchandising, many employers prefer candidates with a degree in marketing, business, or a related field.

Experience in retail, sales, or customer service can also be beneficial.

Some companies may offer entry-level positions to those without a degree, with the opportunity for on-the-job training and advancement.

What should you look for in a merchandiser resume?

In a merchandiser resume, look for previous experience in retail or sales.

This shows they are familiar with the industry and can hit the ground running.

Check for evidence of strong negotiation skills, as this is key for securing the best prices from suppliers.

Other important aspects to look for include organizational skills, creativity, and a keen eye for detail.

What qualities make a good merchandiser?

A good merchandiser is someone who is highly organized and detail-oriented.

They should be able to analyze sales data to make informed decisions about which products to stock and how to display them.

Good merchandisers are creative, able to design appealing displays that will draw customers in.

They should also have strong communication skills, enabling them to build relationships with suppliers and store managers.

What are the typical daily duties of a merchandiser?

A merchandiser’s daily duties often include analyzing sales data, negotiating with suppliers, and liaising with store managers.

They may need to visit stores to set up displays or train staff on new products.

Other tasks can include monitoring stock levels, planning product ranges, and predicting sales and profit trends.

Some merchandisers may also work closely with marketing teams to plan promotional activities.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a closer look at the multi-faceted role of a merchandiser.

And you know what?

It’s not just about stocking shelves.

It’s about driving sales and shaping consumer trends, one product at a time.

With our definitive merchandiser job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Always keep in mind:

Every product on the shelf contributes to the overall shopping experience.

Let’s shape that experience. Together.

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Merchandiser Job Description [Updated for 2025]

Merchandiser Duties and Responsibilities