What Does a Merchandiser Do?

A merchandiser works in a retail setting to assure that a company's products are properly presented to customers to maximize product sales. Many companies hire merchandisers that work on a part time or as needed basis to maintain the company's products in stores instead of relying on store personnel. These positions can be ideal for retirees, students and others who are looking for part-time work or those interested in developing a career in retailing or sales.

Job Duties

Merchandisers are assigned to maintain a company's products in stores. For example, a merchandiser for a soft drink company may visit the store and fill shelves with product to replace products sold. With food products, merchandisers may also be responsible for rotating stock to assure that products sell in the order the products are produced and may also pull out of date products from the shelves. Merchandisers may also build displays in a store, clean product and shelves and report inventory levels to the company.

Work Schedule

The hours that a merchandiser will work will vary depending on the company and the need for a merchandiser in a specific area. Many merchandisers work only a few hours a week and the number of hours may fluctuate from week to week. Companies generally require merchandisers to work certain hours, such as early morning or late night shits. Merchandisers in populous areas may work more hours due to the large number of stores in a smaller area. Merchandisers may also work for multiple companies to gain more hours. A merchandiser may advance into other full time positions with-in a company over time.

Other Duties

Depending on the position and the company, a merchandiser may also perform some sales work or product demonstrations. Though companies will have sales staff to sell products to stores, merchandisers may spot customer or store needs that the sales staff is unaware of or store managers may make requests for products from merchandisers. Companies will provide merchandisers with training for responding to these needs. Some companies will have merchandisers provide information to store personnel on new products.

"Merchandiser Job Description": Snagajob