There’s a fierce race happening to seamlessly link today’s multi channel experience. After product, convenience, accessibility and fulfillment are key.
What is a typical day of a merchandiser?
No such thing, that’s why it’s such a great career!
One day you are working out how to keep that best seller in stock, whilst at the same time trying to cancel out of the dogs. You could also be planning for the next sourcing trip, getting ready for a selection meeting, training someone, the list goes on. If you are no good a juggling priorities and you like things to be "done and dusted”, then Merchandising isn’t the career for you.
What are some of the qualities that make a great merchandiser?
without ever setting foot overseas; this will bring expansion opportunities, but in reverse, a competitive risk in the home market; interesting times ahead.
What aspect of your job do you find the most rewarding?
The people. I love watching people grow; starting at Next on our Trainee programme and moving through the ranks to Merchandiser, Merchandise Manager and then maybe, Group Merchandise Director - I’m too old and slow to do this forever.
"One thing’s for sure, the Internet has made the word a much smaller place to do business"
This is easy - the first thing is an intrinsic understanding of what's great product and an instinct for reading the signs that tell you what your customers want, both today, but more importantly tomorrow.
tomorrow.
The second attribute is a creative approach. This applies to solving problems as well as creating, seeing and reacting to commercial opportunities as and when they arise.
Underpin this with a strong work ethic, good judgment, integrity and an inquisitive, “can do” approach and you’ll go all the way.
What are the current challenges facing the industry at the moment?
This varies for each company, for one, it may be about survival for others safe expansion One thing’s for sure, the Internet has made the word a much smaller place to do business. There has never been a time where a brand has had the opportunity to grow internationally as “easily” as now. It can ship all over the world and create an international business
All over
Watch an interview of Mr Papp
Watch the life of a trainee merchandiser
Mr Papp showing his fashion skills from a young age!