What is merchandising, classification and responsibilities of a merchandiser

 What is merchandising? 

Merchandising refers to the process of promoting and selling products or services through strategic marketing and promotional activities. It involves creating and managing product displays, setting prices, selecting products for sale, managing inventory, and designing marketing campaigns to attract customers.

Merchandising is an essential aspect of retail sales and plays a crucial role in driving sales and profits. Effective merchandising requires an understanding of consumer behavior and preferences, as well as the ability to develop and execute marketing strategies that resonate with target audiences.

Merchandising can be applied to a wide range of industries, including fashion, electronics, food and beverage, and many others. Successful merchandising strategies can help businesses stand out in crowded markets, brand loyalty, and increase revenue.

Classification of merchandising

Merchandising can be classified in several ways based on different criteria. Here are some common ways of classifying merchandising:

Product type: Merchandising can be classified based on the type of product being sold, such as clothing, electronics, groceries, and so on.

Price point: Merchandising can also be classified based on the price range of the products being sold. For example, high-end luxury brands would fall under a different category than discount stores.

Distribution channel: Merchandising can be classified based on the distribution channel, such as brick-and-mortar retail stores, online stores, or a combination of both.

Seasonality: Some types of merchandising are highly seasonal, such as Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations, or beachwear.

Marketing strategy: Merchandising can also be classified based on the marketing strategy used to promote and sell products, such as in-store displays, product placements, promotions, and discounts.

Target market: Merchandising can be classified based on the target market, such as children's toys, women's fashion, or pet supplies.

Brand identity: Merchandising can also be classified based on the brand identity and image that the products convey, such as luxury, affordability, sustainability, or innovation.

These are just a few examples of how merchandising can be classified. The classification criteria may vary depending on the context and purpose of the analysis.

The job responsibility of a garments merchandiser

The role of a garments merchandiser is vital in the fashion and apparel industry. They are responsible for ensuring that garments are produced on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. A garments merchandiser acts as the link between the buyers and the production team, coordinating and communicating between both parties to ensure that the production process runs smoothly. In this article, we will discuss the job responsibilities of a garments merchandiser in detail.

Product Development
The garments merchandiser is responsible for developing new products in collaboration with the design team. They work closely with the design team to understand their vision and provide feedback on the feasibility of their ideas. They also work with the sourcing team to identify the materials needed for the product and negotiate prices with suppliers.

Costing
The garments merchandiser is responsible for preparing cost sheets for each product. This involves determining the cost of materials, labor, and overheads, and calculating the overall cost of the product. They also work with the production team to identify areas where costs can be reduced without compromising on quality.

Order Processing
The garments merchandiser is responsible for processing customer orders. They ensure that all the necessary information is provided, such as the product specification, delivery date, and payment terms. They also work with the production team to ensure that the order can be delivered within the given timeline.

Production Planning
The garments merchandiser is responsible for planning the production process. This involves preparing production schedules and coordinating with the production team to ensure that the production process runs smoothly. They also monitor the production process to ensure that it is on track and take corrective action if necessary.

Quality Control
The garments merchandiser works with the quality control team to set quality standards and monitor the production process to ensure that these standards are met. They also work with the production team to identify areas where improvements can be made to the production process.

Communication
The garments merchandiser is responsible for maintaining communication between the buyers, the production team, and other stakeholders. They provide regular updates to the buyers on the production process, including any delays or issues that may arise. They also work with the production team to ensure that any issues are resolved in a timely manner.

Shipping and Logistics
The garments merchandiser is responsible for arranging the shipment of the finished products. This involves coordinating with shipping companies to ensure that the products are shipped on time and that the necessary documentation is provided. They also work with the logistics team to ensure that the products are delivered to the correct location and that any customs clearance is completed.

Sales Analysis
The garments merchandiser is responsible for analyzing sales data and identifying trends in the market. They use this information to develop new products and to ensure that existing products remain competitive. They also work with the marketing team to develop marketing strategies that will help to increase sales.

Budget Management
The garments merchandiser is responsible for managing the budget for each product. This involves ensuring that costs are kept within budget and identifying areas where costs can be reduced. They also work with the finance team to ensure that all financial transactions are recorded correctly.

In conclusion, a garments merchandiser plays a crucial role in the fashion and apparel industry. They are responsible for ensuring that the production process runs smoothly, that garments are produced on time and within budget, and that they meet the required quality standards. The job requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, you should consider developing these skills and gaining experience in the fashion and apparel industry.