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Merchandising

General overview

Working alongside the Buying Team, Merchandising will ensure we have a balanced range to satisfy customer and store requirements.

They will trade the range to maximise profit and minimise markdown. They do this by forecasting sales, reviewing and balancing stock and developing strategic promotions.

They will also plan the future ranges, considering past, present and future trends. They will analyse current information in order to find the lessons required to optimise profit on the next season's range.

Types of role

Merchandising Director
Merchandising Manager
Merchandiser
Assistant Merchandiser
Merchandiser's Administration Assistant

This team reports into the Merchandising Director for each brand.

If you are interested in any of these roles please click here to find out if we have opportunities available.

Profile

Joanna Hill
Accessories Merchandiser
Topman

"A merchandiser has two key roles, planning and trading a department. It's my responsibility to make sure the right stock is in the right place at the right time. Together with the buyer, we plan a range for stores to make the maximum profit. We look at history for the department and trends for the coming season, which enable us to plan where to spend the money across the different areas of our department. We are constantly reviewing sales forecasts to minimise the risk in any tricky areas, and to make the most of any emerging trends so that there are no missed opportunities for the season.

Monday is our busiest time, reacting to the trade (sales performance) of the previous week. Each department will present to the directors the big successes from the previous week, and any decisions will be made whether to back (repeat) certain lines, or try to reduce stock on slower areas. The rest of the day is spent trading, reviewing options to buy in the future and planning the next package to place. There's always something new so in our business it is essential to be flexible and reactive. Although Monday means an early start, it is very satisfying to see your department performing. I also enjoy planning the next season and reacting to the latest trends.

To do this job you need to be logical, numerate, organised and to be able to manage a busy office, workload and team. It is essential to have strong presentation skills as this forms a major part of the role. You need to enjoy a fast paced environment and have a strong interest and passion for the fashion industry.

After completing a degree at Cardiff University, I got my job as a Merchandiser's Administration Assistant (MAA) at Topman. I have now been at Topman for nearly six years (an MAA for one year, an Assistant Merchandiser for three years and Merchandiser for 18 months). Moving around all the different departments I have worked on jeans, leisurewear, shirts and am now on accessories. Arcadia is a great place to work. It is a fun environment that is constantly evolving."