Potential earnings
£48,520.85
Merchandisers ensure that stores are supplied with goods, liaise with suppliers, decide on pricing and promotions and advise retailers on the optimum display of merchandise.
Main tasks
- Provides feedback about sales to senior managers.
- Consults with advertising and sales staff and advises retailers on the optimal display of a product and of any promotions.
- Supplies information about products to the retailer and sales staff.
- Analyses customer requirements, the needs of individual stores and the organisation, and works with suppliers to develop a product range.
- Predicts future demand and negotiates the supply and price of goods to ensure stores are stocked.
- Monitors stock levels and manages the movement of goods.
Source: Office for National Statistics.
Salary and earnings
Average earnings
£23,556.95
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Skills & knowledge
The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
What course level do I need to study?
The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.
Educational requirements: Level 2 NVQ; GCSE at grades A*-C
Source: Office for National Statistics.
| Level of study | Percentage achieved |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | 3% |
| Level 1 | 3% |
| Level 2 | 21% |
| Level 3 | 27% |
| Level 4-5 (Higher Education) | 6% |
| Level 6 (Bachelors) | 28% |
| Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) | 12% |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.
Similar careers
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Visual merchandisers develop, deliver and communicate visual concepts and strategies to promote brands, products and services in-store, in catalogues or online, and create displays of merchandise.
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£21,107.72
Collector Salespersons and Credit Agents
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Average Salary:
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Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
