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Assistant Merchant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

L.Bean is seeking two Assistant Retail Merchants to join our Merchandising team, supporting the Home & Travel and Equipment & Hunt/Fish categories. This role requires relocation to Maine and a four ...

The Senior Assistant Merchant is responsible for supporting the Merchant or Sr. Merchant in creation and execution of omni-channel product strategy and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure ...

Assistant Digital Merchant

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$63K - $83K/yr

The Assistant Merchant supports the execution of the digital merchandising strategy by ensuring accurate product setup, pricing, and compelling on-site experiences. This role plays a critical part in ...

The Assistant Merchant supports the execution of the digital merchandising strategy by ensuring accurate product setup, pricing, and compelling on-site experiences. This role plays a critical part in ...

Assistant Digital Merchant

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$63K - $83K/yr

The Assistant Merchant supports the execution of the digital merchandising strategy by ensuring accurate product setup, pricing, and compelling on-site experiences. This role plays a critical part in ...

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Assistant Merchant information

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$10

$22

$36

How much do assistant merchant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant merchant in the United States is $22.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Merchant vs Buyer?

AspectAssistant MerchantBuyer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related fieldsOften requires similar degrees; experience in purchasing or retail is common
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, collaborating with merchants and suppliersOffice or retail environment, focusing on procurement and inventory decisions
Industry UsageUsed across retail, e-commerce, and wholesale sectorsPrimarily in retail and wholesale industries
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles assisting in merchandisingCompared for roles responsible for buying and inventory management

The Assistant Merchant supports the buying process by assisting senior merchants with product research, vendor communication, and inventory coordination. A Buyer, on the other hand, makes purchasing decisions, negotiates with suppliers, and manages stock levels. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, the Assistant Merchant typically works under supervision, whereas the Buyer has more decision-making authority.

What are Assistant Merchants?

Assistant Merchants are entry-level professionals who support the merchandising team in retail or wholesale companies. They assist with product selection, inventory management, sales analysis, and communication with vendors. Their role is crucial in ensuring the right products are available in stores at the right time and price. Assistant Merchants often collaborate with buyers, planners, and vendors to drive sales and optimize product assortments.

How does an Assistant Merchant typically collaborate with buyers and planners in the merchandising process?

As an Assistant Merchant, you will frequently work alongside buyers and planners to execute product assortments, track sales performance, and ensure inventory levels align with demand. You'll help gather and analyze sales data to support buying decisions, prepare reports, and coordinate with planners to monitor stock levels and replenishments. Effective communication and teamwork are essential since much of your day involves cross-functional collaboration to achieve sales and margin targets while responding to market trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Merchant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Merchant, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a relevant degree in business, merchandising, or a related field. Familiarity with retail management systems, inventory tracking software, and Excel is commonly required. Excellent communication, organization, and adaptability are vital soft skills for collaborating with vendors and cross-functional teams. These abilities help ensure effective product selection, inventory management, and overall support of merchandising strategies for retail success.
More about Assistant Merchant jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Merchant jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Merchant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant jobs? The most popular types of Merchant jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Merchant jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Merchant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Merchant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Merchant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Assistant Merchant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,917 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Assistant Merchant (Assistant Category Manager)

Assistant Merchant (Assistant Category Manager)

Clark Associates

Lancaster, PA โ€ข On-site

$40K - $47K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

The Assistant Merchant supports the performance of an assigned product segment or category by executing operational and analytical tasks that enable successful category management. This role assists merchant vertical leadership in the development and execution of category strategies by maintaining accurate product data, supporting vendor coordination/conversations, and contributing to reporting and analysis that inform decision-making. 


Working closely with Merchants and Senior Merchants, the Assistant Merchant helps ensure that vendor programs, pricing strategy updates, and product assortments are executed effectively and aligned with overall catalog and category objectives. This role plays a critical part in maintaining operational excellence by identifying discrepancies, supporting process improvements, and ensuring consistency across systems and channels. 


The Assistant Merchant contributes to delivering value to customers by supporting initiatives that improve product visibility, pricing accuracy, and overall category performance while building foundational knowledge of merchandising strategy and vendor management under the tutelage of the Sr. Merchandising Manager overseeing the vertical. 

Responsibilities
  • Support category management activities within assigned segments 
  • Bring attention to and assist in executing category and vendor gap-fill initiatives 
  • Maintain and execute on product data, pricing strategies and merchant plans  
  • Assist in program details: track program follow-through (signatures/uploads), rebate payments/follow-ups, and carrying percentages to ensure accuracy. 
  • Assist with vendor communications and documentation  
  • Compile and analyze basic reports on sales, margins, and inventory  
  • Coordinate item setup, samples, and catalog updates  
  • Monitor assigned categories and highlight risks, underperforming areas or opportunities for improvement. 
Physical Requirements
  • Work is performed while sitting/standing and interfacing with a personal computer.
  • Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision, and hearing.
  • Requires the regular use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
  • Requires occasional bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, and reaching.
  • Requires the ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull medium weights, up to 50lbs.
Remote Work Qualifications
  • Access to a reliable and secure high-speed internet connection. Cable or fiber internet connections (at least 75mbps download/10mbps upload) are preferred, as satellite connections often cannot support the technologies used to perform day-to-day tasks.
  • Access to a home router and modem.
  • A dedicated home office space that is noise- and distraction-free. The space should have strong wireless connection or a wired Ethernet connection (wired connection is preferred, if possible).
  • A valid, physical address (apartment, suite, etc.). PO Boxes are not supported, as a physical address is required for you to receive your computer equipment.
  • The desire and ability to work and communicate with other team members via chat, webcam, etc.
  • Legal residents of one of the following states: (AK, AL, AR, AZ, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, or WY). H-1B Visa Sponsorship Not Available, W2 only.
Experience
  • 0-2 years of experience in a similar role or related work such as category manager or buyer 


Education

This role does not require a degree. We value relevant skills and experience and alignment with our core values above all else.

Desired Traits & Skills
  • Strong organizational and communication skills  
  • Shows interest in and proficiency with vendor communication and negotiation 
  • Intermediate knowledge of product materials, features, and attributes  
  • Ability to identify category or data issues and escalate appropriately  
  • Intermediate analytical skills with ability to interpret reports and trends  
  • Proficiency in Excel and data systems (Power BI)  
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and timeliness  
  • Demonstrates initiative and a willingness to take on challenges, showing resilience when facing obstacles. Builds confidence in working independently and contributes to achieving assigned goals.
Company Overview

A rapidly growing, multi-divisional company headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with services supporting all of Clarkโ€™s distribution methods in the food service industry.

Benefits
  • Medical
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • PTO
  • Paid Maternity Leave
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability
  • Dependent Care FSA
  • 401(k) matching
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness Incentives
  • Company Discounts
  • AT&T & Verizon Discount
  • Bonus Opportunities
  • Accident Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Adoption Assistance
Available at HQ Locations Only
  • On-Site Fitness Centers
  • Dog-friendly Offices