Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Working Life

Duties vary between different companies, but all merchandisers communicate closely with buyers, store management and suppliers.  
 
With buyers, merchandisers decide which products should be stocked for each type and sise of store. By listening to comments from store management they gather information regarding customer's reactions to products, which may then be used in negotiations with suppliers regarding packaging designs.  
 
Information technology has had a dramatic impact on the work of merchandisers. With many companies now using EPOS (electronic point of sale) systems, they are able to access and analyse sales information from any of their company's stores. This information helps both merchandisers and buyers forecast sales and profits, and plan budgets. The retail merchandiser may also use this information alongside a space management software program, to produce layout plans for stores.  
 
While most work is office based, some local travel to retail outlets may be required. Occasionally, retail merchandisers may be expected to work long hours away from home - at the opening of a new store, for example.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Plan commercial displays to entice and appeal to customers.
• Arrange properties, furniture, merchandise, backdrops, or other accessories, as shown in prepared sketches.
• Change or rotate window displays, interior display areas, or signage to reflect changes in inventory or promotion.
• Place prices or descriptive signs on backdrops, fixtures, merchandise, or floor.
• Consult with store managers, buyers, sales associates, housekeeping staff, or engineering staff to determine appropriate placement of displays or products.
• Maintain props, products, or mannequins, inspecting them for imperfections, doing touch-ups, cleaning up after customers, or applying preservative coatings as necessary.
• Develop ideas or plans for merchandise displays or window decorations.
• Assemble or set up displays, furniture, or products in store space, using colors, lights, pictures, or other accessories to display the product.
• Install booths, exhibits, displays, carpets, or drapes, as guided by floor plan of building or specifications.
• Select themes, lighting, colors, or props to be used.

Further Information

• Retail buyer- from: GradIreland
• Retail Merchandiser- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Retail merchandiser- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Most retail merchandisers begin their careers by completing a general retail management course. Specialisation in this area usually occurs about a year after training commences.

Experience in retail is also valuable, as it’s not just about designing impactful displays - you also need to be aware of how your displays will affect sales. Increasingly social media share of displays builds brand awareness. Skills in this area will support your development.

In larger department stores you may be able to progress to a visual merchandising manager role, and eventually move into a head-office role, designing corporate initiatives.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: art and design, retail sales, sales, marketing, creative media.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: art and design, retail sales, sales, marketing, creative media.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Sales & Retail Supervision.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: business, commerce, sales, marketing, retail and services management, retail management and marketing, visual merchandising and display.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: sales, business, management, marketing.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Retail Skillnet

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €85k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Rates of pay can include OTE bonus scale On Target earnings. This depends on your employer. 

Data Source(s):
Excel / Payscale/ Morgan McKinley/ Indeed/ Prosperity.ie/ Clark

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Buyers and procurement officers; Marketing associate professionals; Estate agents and auctioneers; Conference and exhibition managers; and organisers Property, housing and estate managers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong employment growth rate for this occupation, employment levels fell between 2021 and 2022. Employment is spread across a number of roles including marketing associate professionals, buyers & procurement officers, conference/expo managers and estate agents. Employment permits issued in 2022 were primarily for roles in the ICT sector such as digital marketing and accounts managers with language skills required for some.

The Recruitment Agency Survey highlighted issues in sourcing candidates for procurement roles. The number of job adverts for this role grew in 2022, driven by increases for buyers/procurement officers and conference organisers etc. In addition, procurement/tendering documentation skills were not confined to this occupation, but were also in demand outside of sales roles, albeit in small numbers.

• Retail Ireland

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• Marketing Institute of Ireland (MII)

  • Marketing House, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18
  • (01) 295 2355
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here