Merchandising Analyst Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s fast-paced retail environment, the role of merchandising analysts has become increasingly pivotal.

As the retail industry evolves, the demand for savvy individuals capable of managing, interpreting, and utilizing retail data to drive sales and profit continues to grow.

But what exactly is expected from a merchandising analyst?

Whether you are:

• An individual seeking a career in merchandising analysis,
• A hiring manager looking to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of merchandising analysis,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive in.

Merchandising Analyst Duties and Responsibilities

Merchandising Analysts use their understanding of consumer behavior and market trends to optimize product displays and selections across retail channels.

They are data-driven, strategic professionals whose goal is to maximize product sales and profitability.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Analyze sales data and market trends, and identify sales opportunities for products
• Develop and implement merchandising plans to guide inventory purchases
• Collaborate with buyers and merchandisers to determine product placement
• Monitor and analyze the performance of product assortments, promotions, and pricing
• Prepare regular reports to track progress towards sales and inventory goals
• Make recommendations for changes in product offerings based on their analyses
• Work with the marketing team to strategize effective promotional activities
• Help manage relationships with suppliers and negotiate contracts
• Ensure that the right amount of goods are available in the right store at the right time
• Use software tools to forecast future sales trends and plan merchandising strategies accordingly

 

Merchandising Analyst Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a detail-oriented Merchandising Analyst to optimize product placement strategies across our stores.

The Merchandising Analyst will be responsible for analyzing sales data, inventory levels, and customer behavior to develop strategies that increase product sales.

The ideal candidate will have a strong analytical mindset and experience in retail merchandising or a similar role.

A deep understanding of customer buying trends and inventory management is essential.

 

Responsibilities

• Analyze sales and customer data to determine optimal product placement and inventory levels
• Develop merchandising strategies to increase product sales
• Collaborate with the buying team to forecast demand and order inventory accordingly
• Monitor and analyze competitor pricing and promotional strategies
• Create reports and presentations to communicate findings and strategies to senior leadership
• Perform regular store visits to ensure product presentation aligns with company standards and strategies
• Optimize product assortment based on sales trends, seasonality, and customer preference
• Work closely with the marketing team to align merchandising strategies with promotional activities

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Merchandising Analyst or similar role in retail
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze complex data and generate actionable insights
• Proficient in MS Office (particularly Excel) and data analysis tools
• Knowledge of inventory management and retail merchandising practices
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Merchandising Analyst
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel to various store locations for assessments.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Merchandising Manager or Director of Merchandising.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• 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 Merchandising Analyst Do?

Merchandising Analysts typically work for retail and wholesale businesses or they may also work as independent consultants.

They play a crucial role in retail operations, providing valuable insights on product performance and customer buying behaviors.

They work closely with buyers, category managers, and other members of the merchandising team to analyze sales data and market trends.

This analysis helps in making informed merchandising decisions regarding product assortment, pricing, promotion, and inventory management.

Merchandising Analysts are responsible for generating various reports and forecasts, enabling the company to measure the success of its merchandising strategies.

These reports could include historical sales analysis, seasonal demand forecasts, and product category performance.

They also monitor and study competitors’ strategies and market trends to make recommendations for improving the company’s merchandising strategy.

In addition, Merchandising Analysts often help in the development of promotional plans and markdown strategies to optimize sales and inventory turnover.

Moreover, they may participate in vendor negotiations, provide inputs to the buying team on product selection based on their analysis, and aid in the planning and execution of merchandising plans and strategies.

Their ultimate goal is to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction by ensuring that the right products are in the right place at the right time and at the right price.

 

Merchandising Analyst Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Merchandising Analyst should have the skills and qualifications that align with the role, such as:

• Strong analytical skills to evaluate sales reports and market analysis for current products and predict future trends.
• Excellent knowledge of merchandising and retail terminologies, methods, and procedures.
• Proficiency in using merchandising software and related tools, as well as advanced Excel skills to manipulate and analyze data.
• Good attention to detail to ensure accuracy in order placement, pricing, and other aspects of product promotion.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with suppliers, retailers, and internal team members.
• Strong organization and planning skills to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving skills to identify issues in the supply chain or product performance and propose solutions.
• Customer service skills to understand the needs and preferences of the customer and reflect them in product selection and presentation.

 

Merchandising Analyst Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for a Merchandising Analyst role typically have 1-2 years of experience in retail or related fields.

They may have gained this experience through internships, part-time roles, or full-time roles that required a basic understanding of retail operations, such as a Sales Associate or Assistant Buyer.

Candidates with 2-3 years of experience often have expanded their knowledge in retail analytics and inventory management.

These professionals might have worked in roles such as Junior Merchandising Analyst or Inventory Analyst, gaining experience in using data to make informed decisions about product selection, pricing, and promotions.

Merchandising Analysts with more than 5 years of experience usually have developed their strategic planning and forecasting skills significantly.

They may have held roles like Senior Merchandising Analyst or Category Manager, and often have some experience in leading teams or managing complex merchandising projects.

It’s also beneficial if the candidate has experience with data analysis tools and software like Excel or SQL, as these are often essential in a Merchandising Analyst role.

 

Merchandising Analyst Education and Training Requirements

A Merchandising Analyst typically requires a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, marketing, or a related field.

The role demands a strong understanding of retail industry trends, supply chain management, and consumer behavior.

Therefore, coursework in these areas would be beneficial.

Many employers prefer candidates with a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or a related field, particularly for senior-level positions.

A background in data analysis or statistics is also highly desirable, as merchandising analysts often work with large sets of sales and inventory data.

Thus, proficiency in data analysis tools and software such as SQL, Excel, or Tableau is important.

Although not mandatory, certification in relevant fields like Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), or Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) can enhance career prospects.

Furthermore, experience in retail, buying, or merchandising can provide practical insights that can be beneficial for this role.

 

Merchandising Analyst Salary Expectations

A Merchandising Analyst earns an average salary of $60,571 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary based on factors such as years of experience in the field, level of education, and the specific location in which they are employed.

 

Merchandising Analyst Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Merchandising Analyst need?

Merchandising Analysts should possess strong analytical skills to interpret complex sales data and provide actionable insights.

They should have a good understanding of retail business, consumer behavior, and market trends.

Proficiency in using software tools for data analysis, such as Excel, Tableau or SQL, is often required.

They should also have strong communication skills to effectively present their findings to the management and collaborate with other departments.

 

Do Merchandising Analysts need a degree?

Yes, a Merchandising Analyst generally needs a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business, marketing, finance, statistics or economics.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or an MBA.

Additionally, experience in retail, merchandising, or data analysis could be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Merchandising Analyst resume?

In addition to the educational qualifications, look for experience in retail or merchandising, and familiarity with data analysis tools.

Check for specific skills such as trend analysis, pricing strategy, inventory management, or forecasting.

Look for achievements that demonstrate their ability to interpret data and provide insights that led to improved sales or profitability.

 

What qualities make a good Merchandising Analyst?

A good Merchandising Analyst is detail-oriented and enjoys working with numbers.

They are critical thinkers who can analyze complex data sets and derive meaningful insights.

They are also proactive, able to identify trends and make recommendations to drive sales and profit.

Good communication skills are also important as they need to present their findings and collaborate with other teams.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Merchandising Analyst?

Finding a qualified Merchandising Analyst can be challenging.

The role requires a unique blend of analytical skills and understanding of the retail business.

Furthermore, candidates need to be comfortable with data analysis tools and have excellent communication skills.

Therefore, it might take time and effort to find the right fit for your organization.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the true nature of being a Merchandising Analyst.

Surprise?

It’s not just about tracking sales.

It’s about shaping the retail landscape, one data point at a time.

With our comprehensive merchandising analyst job description template and real-world examples, you’re poised to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to precision-crafted job postings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every data point tells a story in the grand tapestry of retail.

Let’s weave that future. Together.

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