Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Retail Merchandiser

💰 $40,000 - $65,000

RetailMerchandisingSalesConsumer GoodsField Operations

🎯 Role Definition

As a Retail Merchandiser, you are the crucial link between our brand and the consumer at the point of sale. You are the architect of the in-store experience, responsible for ensuring our products are perfectly presented, fully stocked, and strategically positioned to capture customer attention and drive sales. This role requires a blend of creativity, analytical thinking, and exceptional relationship-building skills. You will operate with a high degree of autonomy, managing a designated territory of retail stores, executing merchandising strategies, and serving as the eyes and ears of our brand on the ground. Your efforts directly impact brand visibility, market share, and overall revenue growth.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Retail Sales Associate
  • Stock Associate / Inventory Specialist
  • Brand Ambassador

Advancement To:

  • Senior Retail Merchandiser / Field Lead
  • Merchandising Manager
  • Category Manager
  • Regional Sales Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Visual Merchandiser
  • Buyer / Assistant Buyer
  • Field Sales Representative

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute merchandising directives and implement planograms (POGs) with precision to ensure product presentation meets and exceeds company standards across all assigned retail locations.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with store management, department leads, and retail associates to facilitate optimal product placement and promotional opportunities.
  • Ensure all products are accurately priced, signed, and tagged, performing regular audits to correct any discrepancies and maintain pricing integrity.
  • Strategically build, install, and maintain promotional displays, end-caps, and other point-of-sale marketing materials to maximize visibility and drive impulse purchases.
  • Manage on-shelf inventory levels by ensuring products are fully stocked, front-faced, and rotated to maintain freshness and prevent out-of-stocks.
  • Conduct regular store visits within a designated territory, efficiently planning routes to maximize time and effectiveness in the field.
  • Utilize company-provided technology and mobile applications to accurately report on store conditions, merchandising execution, stock levels, and visit details in real-time.
  • Proactively identify and resolve in-store issues such as low inventory, damaged products, or incorrect placement by collaborating with store personnel and internal teams.
  • Educate and train retail store staff on our product features, benefits, and brand story to empower them as effective brand advocates.
  • Place and transmit product orders as needed, ensuring a seamless supply chain and consistent product availability for consumers.
  • Analyze sales data and in-store trends to identify opportunities for growth, improved product placement, and increased sell-through.
  • Gather and report on competitive activity, including pricing, promotions, new product launches, and merchandising strategies observed in the field.
  • Ensure all company-owned fixtures and displays are clean, functional, and well-maintained, coordinating repairs or replacements when necessary.
  • Participate in the setup and takedown of seasonal or event-based merchandising initiatives, ensuring timely and flawless execution.
  • Implement product recalls or returns with efficiency and accuracy, following established company procedures to minimize disruption and protect brand reputation.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide insightful feedback to corporate marketing and sales teams regarding the effectiveness of promotions, packaging, and in-store marketing materials.
  • Assist with new store openings or remodels by leading the merchandising setup for our product categories.
  • Support ad-hoc projects and special initiatives as directed by the Regional Merchandising Manager.
  • Represent the company professionally during industry events or in-store demonstration activities when required.
  • Identify and communicate opportunities for incremental space, cross-merchandising, or off-shelf displays to store management.
  • Prepare and submit detailed weekly and monthly reports summarizing field activities, accomplishments, and challenges.
  • Manage a travel and expense budget effectively, adhering to all company policies and guidelines for field-based employees.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Planogram (POG) Execution: Proven ability to read, interpret, and implement detailed planograms and schematics accurately.
  • Inventory Management: Experience with inventory control principles, including stock counting, rotation (FIFO), and managing backstock.
  • Mobile Reporting Software: Proficiency in using mobile apps and software for reporting, photo-sharing, and data collection.
  • Sales Data Analysis: Basic ability to analyze point-of-sale data to identify trends, opportunities, and inventory needs.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in using MS Excel for tracking, Outlook for communication, and PowerPoint for reporting.
  • Retail Operations Knowledge: Solid understanding of the inner workings of a retail environment, including receiving, stocking, and sales floor procedures.

Soft Skills

  • Communication & Relationship Building: Exceptional interpersonal skills to build rapport and influence with store management and personnel.
  • Autonomy & Self-Discipline: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrating strong self-motivation and accountability.
  • Time Management & Organization: Superior organizational skills to effectively manage a territory, plan routes, and prioritize tasks.
  • Attention to Detail: A meticulous eye for detail to ensure brand standards, pricing, and product placement are consistently perfect.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful in identifying and resolving issues that arise in the field.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate changing store environments, priorities, and last-minute requests.
  • Negotiation & Influence: Ability to persuasively communicate the value of preferred product placement and promotional support.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) is required.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and reliable transportation.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Business Administration
  • Marketing
  • Retail Management
  • Fashion Merchandising

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a retail, merchandising, or customer-facing role.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience as a merchandiser in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG), electronics, or apparel industries.
  • Demonstrated experience working with major national retail chains (e.g., Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot).
Explore More Careers