What does a Merchant/Assistant Merchant do?
Merchants buy and sell goods that are purchased by end consumers or retail shops. They work in various industries including supermarkets, clothing, and electronics stores. Merchants store goods and engage in marketing, order processing, customer service, and technical assistance. Merchants are responsible for many tasks, including keeping inventory, purchasing the items needed for the shop, overseeing financial information, and promoting products.
Merchants meet with wholesalers that provide materials and goods for their shop and calculate totals for products purchased at the shop. They establish key relationships with wholesalers and vendors to ensure the merchandise is of the quality and standard expected by their employer. When faulty batches or items arrive, they utilize these relationships to resolve the issues and secure any needed replacements. They ensure the store is fully stocked with quality products that are ready to sell. Merchants need a bachelor's degree in marketing, business, merchandise, or related fields.
- Prepare for and attend store floor set layout reviews, ensure accuracy and placement.
- Communicate commodity inventory levels and logistics. and manage transportation.
- Work with leadership to build ongoing relationships with producers and customers.
- Monitor and track purchase orders and inventory through receipt reconciliation process.
- Work with inventory management team to align on assortment plans and store strategies.
- Assist with the strategy, development, and selection of merchandise while supporting the department through the entire product life cycle.
- Developing and executing business strategy through strong collaboration with senior management, support partners, credit and risk officers, banking channels, and vendors.
- Analyze direct business metrics, evaluate customer demand performance in conjunction with sales.
- Maintain daily communication, organize logistical services, and assist with accounting issues with suppliers and customers.
- Identify, qualify and capture new business. Develop and contribute to customer/supplier list.
- Bachelor's Degree in business.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Analytics.
- Exhibit strong leadership and problem solving abilities.
- STCW certification is helpful.
- Familiarity with Google Analytics.
- Strong creative thinking skills.
How much does a Merchant/Assistant Merchant make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$63,637
/ yrMerchant/Assistant Merchant Career Path
Learn how to become a Merchant/Assistant Merchant, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Merchant/Assistant Merchant Insights
Entrata“In some departments there is not a clear path/ladder for you to advance your career.”
DoorDash“Our supervisors also do not want you to truthfully in a shadowing role for new hires tell them what our day to day really is.”
Afterpay“Good people and culturue.”
Walmart“Bad work and life balance”
Rhysley“Owner is in Canada play game from there in day nd night Not worth to join.”
White House Black Market“After covid I did the job of what was two people with no pay increase.”
Sephora“Incredible brands to work with and awesome peers.”
Cargill“Really good people to work with”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Merchant/Assistant Merchant
- Purchasing Agent
- Procurement Agent
- Supply Chain Manager
- Buyer