Retail Merchandiser
Also called: Merchandise Manager, Fashion Merchandiser
Job Description: Retail Merchandisers select, purchase, promote and sell clothing and accessories for a retail store, department, division or chain. They study fashion trends, visit manufacturers, designers and merchandise markets, and make fashion forecasts basted on the information they collect. They work with a team of buyers and managers to decide the most effective way to sell their products including advising advertising and display departments on how and where best to position and place merchandise. They may also be responsible for organizing and coordinating promotional activities like fashion shows. Like Fashion Buyers, Merchandisers may also specialize in a specific line of clothing. In addition, long hours and plenty of travel are often part of the job.
Salary
Range: $30,000 to $100,000+
Entry level pay is around $30,000
Experienced pay may range from $40,000 to $60,000
Top level pay may range from $70,000 to $100,000+
* Salary range for this position varies due to size and location
of employers. Bonuses may also be paid.
Outlook: Good to Excellent.
Qualifications:
Education - a 2 or 4 -year degree in Fashion Merchandising,
Fashion Design or related field is recommended as well as coursework
in Business - particularly in Merchandise Planning, Sales, Marketing
and Promotions.
Experience - Extensive experience in the retail apparel industry,
especially in the areas of merchandise buying and retail sales,
is required.
Personal Characteristics/Skills - Exceptional analytical skills;
in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the fashion marketplace, consumers,
designers, competitors, manufacturers and products; great leadership
and management skills; highly organized; expertise in planning,
pricing, forecasting, product development and sales; strong time management skills.
Career Path: Buyers > Associate Merchandising Manager > Merchandise Manager > General Merchandising Manager
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