Merchandising is a vital part of the retail industry that focuses on getting the right products in the right place, at the right time, and at the right price. Merchandisers use data and sales trends to forecast demand, plan stock levels, and work with Buyers to create successful product ranges. They track what’s selling well (and what isn’t), manage inventory levels, and recommend changes to improve sales. Different areas within merchandising, such as Core, Branch, and Direct, focus on stock allocation across stores, websites, and wholesale partners, all aiming to maximise profits and meet customer demand.
Early career roles in merchandising involve supporting planning and analysis, using tools like Excel and the WSSI (Weekly Sales, Stock & Intake) to monitor performance. Students entering this field should have strong analytical skills, an interest in retail and trends, and be comfortable working with data. Over time, this career can lead to senior positions like Senior Merchandiser or Head of Buying and Merchandising. Merchandisers also work closely with teams across the business and need to be aware of seasonal trends, product life cycles, and competitor activity to help the business grow and succeed.
Branch Merchandising:
The Branch Merchandising department allocates stock to stores and wholesale partners. Through analysis of business factors e.g. sales vs last year and like for like sales, they make accurate predictions of stock demand. This career path can lead to Senior Merchandiser in this area.
Core Merchandising:
These Merchandisers pull data to allow them to predict sales and maximise profits. Merchandisers work with Buyers to pull together stock plans and plan sales forecasts for new ranges. They track all sales, e.g. best and worst sellers, and make recommendations to increase sales. They monitor sales through a spreadsheet called a WSSI, therefore need strong excel skills. This career path can lead to Senior Merchandiser or Head of Buying and Merchandising.
Direct Merchandising
The Direct Merchandising department allocates stock to the company and third-party websites. Through analysis of business factors e.g. sales vs last year and like for like sales, they make accurate predictions of stock demand. This career path can lead to Senior Merchandiser in this area.
Examples of roles within Merchandising:
- Junior/Assistant Merchandiser
- Allocator
- Merchandising Admin Assistant
- Consumer Analysis
- Digital Merchandiser
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Merchandising:
This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.