Excel Recruitment are the leading Retail Recruitment Company in Ireland. We receive applications from all levels of professionals in the Retail and Fashion industry from Sales Assistants to CEO’s daily. One thing we have noticed over time is the confusion some people have surrounding Visual Merchandisers and Merchandisers (also called Merchandise Planners). Our Digital Marketing Manager Clare, together with our Head Office and Merchandising Recruiter Sarah, have compiled this blog for easy understanding and to eradicate any confusion that surrounds the two roles. We have jobs for all levels of Merchandise Planners, full remuneration packages and flights if applicable which you can view here www.excelrecruitment.com
What is the difference between a Visual Merchandiser and Merchandiser?
People often understandably confuse the term Merchandisers with Visual Merchandisers. They are both roles that are generally found in a Retail Head Office.
Merchandisers (also can be called Merchandisers Planners) need to be highly numerical, commercially minded and analytical. They must possess the ability to work in a fast paced and constantly evolving environment.
Visual Merchandising on the other hand, is a highly creative role where their main remit is to develop, deliver and communicate visual concepts and strategies to promote retail brands, products and services in-store, in catalogues or online. They also tend to work in a pressurised work surrounding and can often be found on the shop floor ensuring displays, photographics and fixtures etc. are correctly executed.
- Merchandise Planners will think and solve They make business decisions based on facts accumulated from analysing reports and figures. They will have reasoning and an ability to solve complex based on accurate reasoning.
- Visual Merchandisers will act, develop and deliver visual concepts that are in line with company strategies which in turn will drive sales. They work alongside Buyers, Merchandisers and Marketing to ensure that the key messages for a brand or product are clearly executed to drive sales in store and online.
In a nutshell…
Merchandisers/Merchandise Planners are responsible for having the right stock in the right place at the right time to maximise sales and to minimise mark down.
Visual Merchandisers are concerned with promoting the identity of brands and new products both instore and online in order to boost sales.
Potential candidates should ensure they understand the difference between visual merchandising, retail merchandising and shop-floor merchandising before applying to jobs. The latter two are concerned with volumes and allocation of stock and its location and functional arrangement on the shop floor, rather than the visual and creative impact a visual merchandiser makes. There are interfaces between the roles and teams may work closely together to achieve maximum sales and profitability.
Excel Recruitment want to hear from Merchandise Planners across all level from Trainee to Senior roles. View all our jobs here: www.excelrecruitment.com or attach a CV to info@excelrecruitment.com
