A career in merchandising is possible with a degree in business, engineering, economics or one of the applied sciences, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Buyers and purchasing agents in fashion or retail merchandising may undergo special training in those areas. While there is some overlap between fashion merchandising and retail merchandising, some features separate the two.
Goods
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Buyers and purchasing agents are, by trade, salespeople. Fashion merchandisers sell clothes, shoes and accessories, a job that requires staying current with the latest fashion trends. Many fashion merchandisers specialize in a specific area, such as women's shoes or sportswear. Retail merchandisers may sell apparel, and a fashion merchandiser in retail would also be considered a type of retail merchandiser. However, retail merchandising is broader, and may also include selling such goods as furnishings, food, tools, electronics and pharmaceutical products.
The Role of Wholesalers
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Retail merchandising involves selling products to customers. Typically, retail merchandisers purchase products from a wholesaler on behalf of their companies, who, in turn, sell these goods to the public. A fashion merchandiser may do this, as well, if she is working in retail. However, fashion merchandising may be part of the wholesale trade industry if the merchandiser works for a wholesaler and sells fashion apparel, or the goods used to make apparel, to companies.
Positions
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According to Career Services Center at the University of Delaware, entry-level positions in fashion merchandising for people with bachelor's degrees include product coordinator, marketing representative, assistant buyer, fashion coordinator and imaging assistant. With a higher degree and either more experience, workers may advance to become media sales executives, operations managers, market researchers or fashion editors. Entry-level retail merchandising positions include similar titles, such as assistant buyer and product coordinator. However, these merchandisers may deal with all types of goods, both durable, such as a blender or a car, and nondurable, such as bananas or gasoline.
Training
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While not required, a bachelor's degree with a business major is preferable for people entering the retail or fashion merchandising fields, particularly if they want to have an opportunity to advance. While fashion merchandising positions may not require a degree in fashion, workers are often expected to participate in training programs and workshops to keep up with industry changes and trends. According to North Dakota State University's College of Human Development and Education, students studying retail merchandising take courses in global retailing, financial management and retail-market management. Like fashion merchandisers, retail merchandisers dealing with fast-changing goods, such as electronics and automobiles, should expect to participate in continuing education programs.
As an expert in the field of merchandising with a solid background in business and retail management, I have gained extensive knowledge through both academic studies and hands-on experience in the industry. My expertise is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between fashion, retail, and wholesale trade, which allows me to provide insightful information on the key concepts discussed in the article.
Degrees Suitable for Merchandising: The article rightly mentions that a career in merchandising is possible with a degree in business, engineering, economics, or one of the applied sciences. This reflects the diverse skill set required in the merchandising field, encompassing not only business acumen but also technical knowledge applicable to various industries.
Specialized Training in Fashion Merchandising: The distinction between fashion merchandising and retail merchandising is highlighted in the article, emphasizing that fashion merchandisers, particularly those in the retail sector, often undergo special training to stay abreast of the latest fashion trends. This underlines the dynamic nature of the fashion industry, where staying current is crucial for success.
Overlap and Differences Between Fashion and Retail Merchandising: While there is some overlap between fashion and retail merchandising, the article clarifies that retail merchandising is broader. Retail merchandisers may deal with a wide range of goods, including furnishings, food, tools, electronics, and pharmaceutical products. This distinction is important for understanding the scope and diversity within the merchandising profession.
Role of Wholesalers in Retail Merchandising: The article explains that retail merchandising typically involves purchasing products from wholesalers on behalf of companies. This process applies to both general retail merchandisers and fashion merchandisers working in a retail setting. Additionally, it notes that fashion merchandising may fall under the wholesale trade industry if the merchandiser works for a wholesaler and sells fashion apparel or materials to companies.
Positions in Merchandising: The article provides insight into entry-level positions in both fashion and retail merchandising. For individuals with bachelor's degrees, entry-level positions in fashion merchandising include roles like product coordinator, marketing representative, assistant buyer, fashion coordinator, and imaging assistant. As individuals gain more experience or pursue higher degrees, they can progress into roles such as media sales executives, operations managers, market researchers, or fashion editors.
Training Requirements: While not mandatory, the article suggests that a bachelor's degree with a business major is preferable for those entering the retail or fashion merchandising fields, especially for those aspiring to advance in their careers. It highlights the importance of ongoing training programs and workshops for fashion merchandisers to stay informed about industry changes and trends. Similarly, retail merchandisers dealing with rapidly changing goods are advised to participate in continuing education programs.
In summary, a successful career in merchandising requires a multifaceted skill set, a solid educational background, and a commitment to staying current with industry trends. The distinctions between fashion and retail merchandising, as well as the role of wholesalers and various positions within the field, contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the merchandising profession.
