Articles
Questions to a Merchandiser
Important answers from a typical merchandiser
Q: What does your day typically consist of?
My day starts fairly early in the morning, and I basically make sure that I have all paperwork printed and head out to my stores. My daily objective is to make sure to leave an impression after every store call. I stock product, build displays, and make sure to get some management and consumer engagement.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being a merchandiser?
I enjoy meeting new people on a daily basis. Management feedback is priceless. I enjoy listening to the likes, dislikes, and suggestions from store associates and consumers as well as the appreciation I receive every time I walk into one of my stores.
Q: What is your favorite season or annual event to Merchandise stores in your area?
My favorite season is the Holiday season. Although stores are crowded, this is one of the busiest merchandising seasons for me and I love keeping busy. There are usually very nice displays and lots of POS and Holiday items hitting the shelves. I get to make my Christmas money during this time of year.
Q: How long does it typically take to finish a quality store call?
It really depends on the duties of each specific Client and Project details. Some calls can take up to three hours but on average I would have to say about an hour. Once you become familiar with the routine steps of signing in and meeting with management you can get down to the call itself. I’ll spend a little extra time to make my product look better than the competition.
Q: The toughest part about being a merchandiser is…
Not being able to be at every store as often as I would like. When you’re not in the section but every few weeks or even on a 1 time call, you personally feel compelled to take “ownership” of the products you’re going in to represent. You step back and look at the section and say, If I had the time, I’d move this and block these together, etc.
Q: What is the secret to creating a successful display? What’s the secret to being a successful merchandiser?
The secret to creating a successful display is LOCATION! No matter how large and tactful a display is, it is only successful if it is placed in the right location. The secret to being a successful merchandiser is meeting the store associates. As a merchandiser our presence in the store is key to the Clients we get in to represent. I feel that if do a good job, I’ll get more work from the Company.
Q: List 3 items you’ll always find in a merchandisers possession.
1. Project Paperwork and Instructions
2. Box cutter
3. Cellphone
Q: What is one thing we don’t know about merchandisers?
It takes a big part of the in-store time to chase down the proper managers for their approval and feedback. Time is valuable, especially when you’re trying to cover 5 to 6 stores a day. The evening calls can be unproductive, so you try to route your day to hit as many stores as early as possible.
Q: A merchandiser knows he/she has done their job when…
It shows on the call report! Sometimes we don’t realize what an impact we’ve made until you get home and report the calls and you’ve, i.e. increased facing, closed voids, out of stocks and handled the particular tasks that you went to the store as a goal from the call objective in your paperwork. You feel good about your work when you see it in black and white!