Merchandise Manager Job Description

Merchandise Managers: A Job Description

A Merchandise Manager is in charge of buying and selling products in a retail environment. Depending on the size of the company, specific duties for Merchandise Managers can vary. A team of Purchasing agents work under the Merchandise Managers at large companies.

The managers wear all the hats. The role of a merchandising manager is a management position. Employers prefer candidates with a Bachelor's degree in a related field.

The work environment of managers in the industry they work in varies. The managers of a fashion brand a supermarket chain both spend a lot of time in their stores. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says demand for merchandise managers will rise by 1 percent through the year.

The managers of the store are in contact with the vendors. They are responsible for maintaining a positive working relationship with all vendors. They are responsible for evaluating new vendors.

The Merchandise Managers are the most knowledgeable about the products a company sells. They are responsible for understanding the features and benefits of a product and then deciding if it would be a hot seller for their employer. Soft skills are required of a Merchandise Manager.

Merchandise Managers

The merchandise manager has a responsibility for staff education. Training in how to sell a product with information about its origins and uses can increase customer satisfaction and sales. Clerks at a department store may need to know about current fashion trends so they can make sound recommendations to customers.

If a gown doesn't look appropriate for a customer, the clerk needs to be able to say so gracefully and without causing offense. There is a lot of psychology involved in what a merchandise manager does, as things like shelf height and packaging color affect what people will buy. The eye-level shelves are popular and many manufacturers have agreements with retailers to reserve them.