Making proper displays and providing the correct demonstration of the products are the key features of the retail merchandising jobs. The retail industry is recognized for its tendency of endorsing and promoting to reach the customers. If you can efficiently make product displays, then you can definitely get noticed by the employer.
Customer service is also a vital part in retail merchandising. Take on a constructive and encouraging approach on the way to customer service to become successful in the field of retail merchandising. Merchandisers do not remain cut off from the customers; rather, they communicate with the customers and even discuss about the present scenario and trends of business. This cordial relationship of the merchandisers with the customers helps boost sales. The bottom line is to display positive attitude while dealing with the customers.
The retail industry gets above average turnover. If you are presently working in a retail firm as an employee, keep your ambitions high and look for opportunities to become a retail merchandiser.
The work profile varies from industry to industry and job designation. However typical responsibilities include:
• Development of new marketing technologies
• Producing layout plans for stores
• Forecasting sales and optimizing sales volume
• Setting up displays, fixtures, shelving and products
• Preparing sales and stock plans with respect to buyers
• Monitoring and analyzing product sales
• Developing sales promotional strategies
• Meeting suppliers and manufacturers
• Negotiating prices with suppliers
• Planning the budget and controlling stock
Requirements: Academics & Skill sets
Education is very crucial to get a retail merchandising job. It is always advantageous if you have an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in marketing or retail merchandising. Having a related degree will definitely help you to have the edge over the other applicants. You can also take up courses related to business, marketing, and computer science and gain an edge in the job market.
You must have good communication, time management and organizational skills. You should be able to work in teams or lead a team if need be. You must have knowledge of basic computer skills.
Career Opportunities
Career options in retail merchandising include retail management, buying, design and product development, merchandising, visual presentation, quality control and wholesale sales and entrepreneurship.
Graduates can get jobs in popular department stores, design companies and manufacturers. They can also work as consultants and coordinators. To find a job, students can register with the placement cell of their university or check job portals or newspaper advertisements.
One can get entry level jobs in merchandising, management, product development, or buying. With 3 years experience, you can work as divisional merchandise manager, production coordinator, stylist and more.
Find out about various retail merchandising jobs that are there and shortlist the ones you would like to take up. The arena of retail merchandising is extensive and there could be a wide range of jobs such as a window dresser, sales representative for a pharmaceutical firm, purchasing manager for retail companies, sales analysts for moderating present business trends, etc.
The average salary in retail merchandising jobs is around $20,000 to $30,000. The promoters of retail merchandising who does not work full time makes around $18 to more than $50 per hour. A corporate visual merchandising director enjoys a pay package of around $96,000. In the big companies, merchandisers can also get paid vacation, health insurance, sick days, 401(k) plan, etc, apart from the salary.
Thus, taking up a job in the field of retail merchandising is really beneficial in terms of a good career, professional and personal growth.
