How to become a merchandiser

Is becoming a merchandiser right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do merchandisers do?
Career Satisfaction
Are merchandisers happy with their careers?
Personality
What are merchandisers like?

Still unsure if becoming a merchandiser is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a merchandiser or another similar career!

Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.

How to become a Merchandiser

Becoming a merchandiser involves a combination of education, relevant skills development, and practical experience. Here are the general steps to become a merchandiser:

  • Educational Background: While a specific degree may not always be required, many employers prefer candidates with a background in business, marketing, retail management, or a related field. Consider pursuing a bachelor's degree to enhance your knowledge and competitiveness in the job market.
  • Gain Retail Experience: Entry-level positions in retail, such as sales associate or customer service representative, provide valuable insights into the industry. This experience allows you to understand the dynamics of retail operations, customer interactions, and product placement.
  • Internships and Entry-Level Positions: Seek internships or entry-level positions specifically related to merchandising. These opportunities provide hands-on experience in executing merchandising strategies, analyzing data, and working with product displays.
  • Build a Strong Portfolio: Showcase your skills and accomplishments by creating a portfolio that highlights any relevant coursework, projects, or internships. Include examples of your ability to analyze market trends, create compelling product displays, and contribute to successful merchandising strategies.
  • Further Education or Certifications: Consider pursuing additional education or certifications that specifically focus on merchandising. While not always required, certifications in areas such as visual merchandising or retail management can enhance your credentials.
  • Apply for Entry-Level Merchandising Positions: Search for entry-level merchandising positions or merchandising assistant roles. These roles may involve supporting senior merchandisers, assisting with product displays, and contributing to merchandising strategies.
  • Demonstrate Analytical and Creative Abilities: During interviews, showcase your ability to analyze data, make informed decisions, and think creatively about product presentation. Merchandisers often need a balance of analytical and creative skills.
  • Build Relationships with Suppliers: Merchandisers often collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers. Building relationships with industry partners can be beneficial for understanding the supply chain and negotiating favorable terms.

Certifications
There are several certifications that can enhance your skills and credentials in the field of merchandising. These certifications often focus on areas such as retail management, merchandising strategies, and relevant software proficiency. Here are some certifications that may be beneficial for merchandisers:

  • Certified Professional in Retail Management (CPRM): Offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the CPRM certification is designed for retail professionals, including merchandisers. It covers various aspects of retail management, including merchandising, inventory management, and customer service.
  • Certified Professional in Merchandising and Planning (CPMP): The CPMP certification, also provided by the NRF, is geared specifically toward professionals involved in merchandising and planning. It covers topics such as assortment planning, inventory control, and sales forecasting.
  • Visual Merchandising Certification: Various organizations and institutions offer certifications in visual merchandising. These certifications focus on the creative aspect of merchandising, including creating attractive product displays and optimizing visual elements to drive sales.
  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): For merchandisers with a strong emphasis on data analysis, the CAP certification from the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) can be valuable. It validates proficiency in analytics and data-driven decision-making.
  • Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP): Offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), the CSCP certification is suitable for merchandisers involved in supply chain management aspects. It covers topics such as demand planning, inventory management, and supplier relationships.
  • Certification in Retail Management (CRM): Provided by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the CRM certification focuses on retail management skills, including merchandising, leasing, and property management.
  • Certified Inventory Optimization Professional (CIOP): For merchandisers heavily involved in managing inventory, the CIOP certification from the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) can be relevant. It covers inventory management strategies and optimization.
  • Certified Professional in Advanced Analytics (CPAA): This certification, provided by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), is suitable for merchandisers who want to demonstrate proficiency in advanced analytics techniques for decision-making.