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Assistant Merchant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Key Responsibilities: * Assist Merchant and Associate Merchant with assortments, pricing strategies, product allocation, fulfillment orders, and build/maintain strong relationships with our vendor ...

Key Responsibilities: * Assist Merchant and Associate Merchant with assortments, pricing strategies, product allocation, fulfillment orders, and build/maintain strong relationships with our vendor ...

In This Role * Assist Merchant Team with audits on new and existing information including costing, pricing, dimensions, fabric, and site information in various internal systems * Work closely with ...

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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 Jun 29, 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.

How to become an assistant merchant?

To become an assistant merchant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in retail, sales, or customer service. Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills are important, and familiarity with inventory management and point-of-sale systems can be beneficial. Some positions may require a bachelor's degree in business or a related field.

How much does an assistant merchandiser make?

An assistant merchandiser typically earns between $35,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the company. They often work closely with senior merchandisers and use retail analytics tools to support product placement and sales strategies.

What does a merchant assistant do?

A merchant assistant supports retail or wholesale operations by helping with inventory management, customer service, and sales transactions. They may also assist with visual merchandising, stock replenishment, and using point-of-sale systems to ensure smooth store operations.

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.

What does a merchandising assistant do?

A merchandising assistant supports the planning and execution of product displays, inventory management, and sales strategies. They often work with visual presentation, stock replenishment, and data entry using retail software to ensure products are attractive and available to customers.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,917 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Assistant Merchant, PINK Beauty

Assistant Merchant, PINK Beauty

Victoria's Secret

New York, NY • On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Victoria's Secret rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 394 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 102 rated fashion retailers


Job description

Your Role:
The Assistant Merchant supports the category of business by serving as the Subject Matter Expert on various retail areas and topics, including, but not limited to, comprehensive systems management, customer intimacy, competitive intelligence, testing execution and product/sample management. The Assistant Merchant supports the strategy of the merchandise assortment through seamless execution.
Your Impact:
System Management & Execution
  • Drive accuracy of product detail through excellent execution and management of assortment documentation and communication, with emphasis on MAT tool execution

Customer
  • Demonstrate an ability to turn Customer insight into actionable recommendations as it relates to assortment strategy
  • Be the voice of the customer through store visits/travel, market distortions, and new product launches
  • Be in or communicating with stores on a weekly basis to gain customer feedback and business insights
  • Understand the customer's lifestyle by staying on top of trends, social media, and pop culture as it specifically relates to the customer
  • Utilize customer insights to support the evolution of the product to continue to build an emotional connection with the customer
  • Engage in competitive patterning (i.e., focus groups, share of drawer, campus visits, etc.) in order to understand the current competition/market trends and influence product strategy while making business recommendations

Product
  • Demonstrate an ability to turn product insight into actionable recommendations as it relates to assortment strategy and influence the evolution of potential new categories to fill customers' needs
  • Own the management of samples for a particular category, inclusive of ranking current business and representing current season, collaborating with Sample Management partners to ensure accuracy of current and archived sample needs
  • Assist in key meeting prep with sample availability, style & color ranking, deck preparation, and ad hoc requests and analysis, always staying agile and flexible
  • Responsible for ongoing trend analysis and reporting, inclusive of competitive landscape & competitive patterning

Financial
  • Learn the basic fundamentals of retail math, financial parameters and applications needed to drive category results
  • Understand core financial reporting tools necessary to read and analyze business insights (i.e. Color report, placemats)
  • Providing color and style level insights as to what is working and not working within the assortment
  • Ranking product weekly based on sales performance
  • Understanding and bringing attention to channel-specific selling nuances within the assortment
  • Remain curious about category financials and performance while seeking to understand metrics in regards to product performance

Collaboration & Relationship-Building
  • Cultivate and maintain strong cross-functional partnerships with clear and accurate communication while demonstrating company values
  • Actively participate in weekly cross functional meetings and calls
  • Relationship building by demonstrating corporate culture & values of inclusivity, open-mindedness, collaboration, and positive intent
  • Lead and demonstrate company values of Love the Customer, Passion with Purpose, Better Together, DEI is Everything
  • Consistently react with urgency while comprehending overall strategy

Talent
  • Identify and regularly meet with an internal mentor
  • Partner with leader to curate a career development plan and own the execution of actions
  • Actively seek and take action on feedback from all levels to enable growth and development in role
  • Mentor and guide intern talent

Click here for benefit details related to this position.
Your Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, or relevant experience
  • Demonstrate an understanding of current and upcoming trends relevant to the customer
  • The individual is highly curious, and influences leadership through client and competitive patterning and makes tangible recommendations for the business
  • Ability to effectively manage through and deliver upon competing priorities, demonstrating change agility
  • Exceptional execution, communication, prioritizing, collaboration, and problem solving skills
  • Ability to be a team player and to foster a commitment to teamwork among other associates
  • Demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws. Please see links: California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Philadelphia Fair Chance Law, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance
An equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate in hiring or terms and conditions of employment because of an individual's race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected category recognized by state, federal or local laws. We only hire individuals authorized for employment in the United States.

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