What Do Retail Merchandisers Do? Salary, & Career Growths

Published: 21 Feb 2025

Merchandisers are the masterminds who are vital in maximizing retail store sales.

So what do retail merchandisers do? Let me explain it.

The maximum sales of a retail store directly depend on how attractive the products and the store itself are.

So merchandisers are the people who ensure that products are displayed in the most appealing way to catch customers’ attention and encourage purchases.

Here is a further in-depth guide on what are the primary responsibilities of merchandisers

What Do Retail Merchandisers Do? Their Key Responsibilities.

As I mentioned earlier, merchandisers are the people who attractively display products to encourage customers to make purchases.

But this is not the end.

As merchandisers, they handle multiple responsibilities, from organizing product displays to tracking inventory and analyzing sales trends.

Here are some of the key responsibilities of merchandisers:

Designing eye-catching displays: They arrange products in a way that grabs attention and makes shoppers want to buy. It may include proper setting of product displays, like creating themed sections, using colors and lighting to highlight items, or grouping complementary products.
Keeping shelves stocked: They make sure products are always available so customers never leave empty-handed. No one likes seeing empty shelves!
Tracking inventory: Retail merchandisers monitor what’s in stock and what’s running low. This helps them avoid overstocking or running out of popular items.
Setting prices: They decide how much products should cost and plan discounts or promotions to attract more buyers.
Analyzing sales data: Merchandisers examine numbers to determine what’s selling well and what’s not, helping them make smarter decisions about what to stock next.
Working with suppliers: They talk to suppliers to make sure products arrive on time and at the right price.
Planning for seasons and trends: They stay ahead of trends and prepare for holidays or special events. For example, they might stock up on swimsuits in summer or holiday decorations in December.
Improving the shopping experience: They make sure stores are clean, organized, and easy to navigate. A happy shopper is more likely to come back!
Training store staff: Sometimes, they teach employees how to set up displays or handle products properly.
Solving problems on the spot: If something goes wrong, like a product shortage or a messy display, they’re the ones who fix it quickly.

How Many Merchandisers Are Usually Paid?

The exact salary of a merchandiser can vary widely depending on his/her experience, state, and the type of products he/she is working with.

A bigger company always offers a handsome salary as compared to a small business.

Usually,

The salary of a new merchandiser starts from $10,000 and goes up to $20,000 depending on how smart the person is.
A few years of experienced merchandiser can earn almost $25,000 to $40,000.
While a highly smart and experienced merchandiser can expect almost $50,000 to $60,000 and even more depending on how large the company is. Mostly, larger companies pay almost $90,000 to $155,000 per year to a head or director of merchandisers.

How Many Hours Does a Merchandiser Work?

The working hours of a merchandiser are mostly full time ranging from 35 to 40 hours per week or (9-5).

The duty days are usually five days from Monday to Friday where Saturday and Sunday are off.

However, working hours may increase depending on whether the workload extends.

Most merchandisers work even on the weekends and holidays especially if the store is newer or during busy seasons like Christmas or major sales events.

Those managing multiple store locations of one company may spend extra hours traveling between sites.

While many work full-time, part-time roles with flexible hours are also common, depending on the employer’s needs and seasonal demands.

What Skills are Required?

Merchandising jobs require a combination of creative, analytical, and organizational skills.

Here are some key skills that a merchandiser must have.

A good knowledge and understanding of the product.
Strong organizational skills to manage displays, inventory, and deadlines effectively.
Attention to detail for creating appealing product layouts and spotting errors.
Analytical skills to study sales data, track trends, and make informed decisions.
Creativity for designing eye-catching displays that attract customers.
Excellent communication skills to collaborate with store teams, suppliers, and managers.
Time management to handle multiple tasks and meet tight schedules.
Problem-solving abilities to address stock shortages, slow sales, or display issues.
Knowledge of retail trends and customer behavior to stay ahead in the market.
Proficiency in computer tools like spreadsheets, sales software, and planograms.

These skills help merchandisers plan, execute, and optimize strategies, ensuring stores look great and perform well.

What Qualifications are Required?

The qualifications for merchandising jobs can vary depending on the role and the niche of the company.

However, most employers look for a mix of education, experience, and skills.

A high school diploma is often the minimum requirement for entry-level roles.
A degree in fields like business, marketing, retail management, computer, and mathematics studies is always preferred for advanced positions.
Experience in retail or sales is a strong advantage, as it provides practical knowledge of store operations and customer behavior.
Training in merchandising software, inventory management tools, or visual design programs is beneficial.
Certifications in merchandising, marketing, or supply chain management can add value to your resume.

Professional Growth.

Depending on which company you get a merchandiser job, they invest some time and money to train beginner-level merchandisers.

However, most learning is in experience, meaning you will always learn new things with time.

But for quick learning, some companies offer free courses on communication skills, consumer behavior, human psychology, and time management.

Career Growths.

A merchandising job offers a clear path for career growth, starting from entry-level roles like Assistant Merchandiser to senior positions such as Merchandising Manager or Retail Buyer.

Many companies have their own set of rules so you will need to meet them to gain a higher position.

But generally, to get a higher position, you must have a few years of experience. Your smart work against other employees and your competitors also plays a crucial role.

Facts About Merchandiser’s Job and Work.

Work is usually office-based, with regular visits to stores or suppliers to check displays and stock levels.
The environment is fast-paced and competitive, with high responsibility for meeting sales targets and managing budgets.
Even small mistakes can impact profits, making attention to detail crucial.
Collaboration with teams like buyers, suppliers, and marketing is a big part of the job.
The role often involves tight deadlines and pressure, but it’s also motivating and rewarding.
Travel may be required occasionally, especially for senior roles or to attend trade events.

Hey! My Champs.

So, in this article, we’ve covered “What do retail merchandisers do?” in detail.

Retail merchandisers are the creative and strategic minds behind attractive displays, efficient inventory management, and customer satisfaction.

Their role is challenging but rewarding, offering a great mix of creativity, problem-solving, and growth opportunities.

If you’re considering a career in merchandising or simply want to understand their importance, I hope this guide has given you a clear idea of their work and how they contribute to the retail industry.

Stay curious, keep learning, and let your creativity shine!