Merchandising

Retail merchandisers work alongside buyers and retail managers. Their role is to analyse sales information and trends to forecast future sales and stock requirements and determine how much a buyer can spend on stock. They manage budgets tightly and ensure that the correct mix of products is stocked and displayed to achieve greater sales and maximise profits. This is a good choice for graduates with numeracy and IT skills.

Analysing market information can help the merchandiser decide where and how a product should be sold to maximise profitability. They may use this information alongside a space management software program to produce layout plans for stores.

The work may also involve designing promotional campaigns to increase sales of specific items as needed and also coaching staff in effective selling techniques.

The roles of retail merchandising and buying are closely linked, so many people move between the two.

Job description: retail merchandiser.