Retail Merchandiser

Job Description:

• plan product ranges and prepare sales and stock plans in conjunction with buyers
• liaise with buyers, analysts, stores, suppliers and distributors
• maintain a comprehensive library of appropriate data
• work closely with visual display staff and department heads to decide how goods should be displayed to maximise sales
• produce layout plans for stores, sometimes called 'statements'
• forecast profits and sales, and optimise the sales volume and profitability of designated product areas
• plan budgets and present sales forecasts and figures for new ranges
• control stock levels based on forecasts for the season
• use specialist computer software, for example to handle sales statistics, produce sales projections and present spreadsheets and graphs
• analyse every aspect of bestsellers (for example, the bestselling price points, colours or styles), ensuring that they reach their full potential
• maintain awareness of competitors' performance
• monitor slow sellers and take action to reduce prices or set promotions as necessary
• gather information on customers' reactions to products
• analyse the previous season's sales and report on the current season's lines
• make financial presentations to senior managers
• accompany buyers on visits to manufacturers to appreciate production processes
• meet with suppliers and manage the distribution of stock, by negotiating cost prices, ordering stock, agreeing timescales and delivery dates and completing the necessary paperwork
• identify production and supply difficulties and deal with any problems or delays as they arise