How To Become A Retail Merchandiser: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2024)

Key steps to become a retail merchandiser

1. Explore retail merchandiser education requirements

   The educational requirements for a retail merchandiser are typically a high school diploma, with some retail merchandisers obtaining a certificate or associate degree. According to Professor Michael Grossman Ph.D. of the University of Mount Union's Department of Political Science and International Studies, "It is less about licenses or courses and more about experiences. In this regard, internships are crucial." This suggests that while formal education is important, practical experience can significantly impact a retail merchandiser's career.

   Most common retail merchandiser degrees

   Bachelor's

   35.0

   %

   High School Diploma

   25.2

   %

   Associate

   25.1

   %

2. Start to develop specific retail merchandiser skills

   Retail merchandisers are skilled at developing schedules to achieve business objectives, communicating with store management, and maintaining customer relationships. They possess excellent organizational and communication skills and can build relationships with business partners. As Associate Professor and Chair of the Academic Policies Committee at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, Sonya DiPalma Ph.D. emphasizes that "listening and note-taking skills will be critical. Great employees listen well and ask good follow-up questions."

   Skills	Percentages
   Customer Service	30.42%
   Store Management	15.61%
   POS	8.28%
   Excellent Organizational	7.11%
   Work Ethic	6.46%

   Show more

3. Complete relevant retail merchandiser training and internships

   Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New retail merchandisers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a retail merchandiser based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real retail merchandiser resumes.

4. Gain additional retail merchandiser certifications

   Retail merchandiser certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific retail merchandiser certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

   The most common certifications for retail merchandisers include Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS).

   More About Certifications

5. Research retail merchandiser duties and responsibilities

   Retail merchandisers manage various tasks to drive sales and maintain a store's aesthetic. They develop weekly schedules, assemble and organize product displays, conduct inventory counts, and build relationships with store personnel and management. According to Cynthia Krom, an Associate Professor and Department Chair at Franklin and Marshall College's Business, Organizations, and Society Department, "Professional certifications matter...Find out what is available in your profession and take whatever courses or exams are needed to be at the top of your game."

   • Manage cleanliness and presentation of stock room and production floor.
   • Manage entire pet food recycling facility converting 9,000 tons per year from pet food to swine and poultry feed.
   • Manage backroom/stock room inventory by organizing pallets, stacking and storing product inventory.
   • Manage Nintendo's promotional programs; secure and maintain point-of-purchase displays that alert customers to brand availability.

6. Prepare your retail merchandiser resume

   When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your retail merchandiser resume.

   You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a retail merchandiser resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

   Choose From 10+ Customizable Retail Merchandiser Resume templates

   Build a professional

   Retail Merchandiser

   resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume.

   Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Retail Merchandiser resume.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   See Also

   Retail Merchandising - Der ultimative Leitfaden - Die Quelle für Markenstandards

   

   

   

   

   

7. Apply for retail merchandiser jobs

   Now it's time to start searching for a retail merchandiser job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

   1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
   2. Consult your professional network
   3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
   4. Watch out for job scams

How do retail merchandisers rate their job?

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The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.