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Associate Merchandise Manager Jobs in Laurel, MS

Sales Associate Department: Operations FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Reports To: Store Manager SUMMARY ... merchandise needs, pricing concerns, and operations problems to store management staff. * Attend ...

Sales Associate Department: Operations FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Reports To: Store Manager SUMMARY ... merchandise needs, pricing concerns, and operations problems to store management staff. * Attend ...

Sales Associate Department: Operations FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Reports To: Store Manager SUMMARY ... merchandise needs, pricing concerns, and operations problems to store management staff. * Attend ...

Customer Service Associate

Laurel, MS · On-site

$12.50 - $17.25/hr

Key priorities include greeting customers, assisting them with selection of merchandise, completing ... Management. Working Conditions: * Retail store environment where extended periods of standing are ...

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Associate Merchandise Manager information

What does an associate merchandise manager do?

An Associate Merchandise Manager assists in planning, selecting, and purchasing products for retail stores or online platforms. They analyze sales trends, work with vendors, help develop pricing strategies, and ensure that merchandise aligns with the company's goals and customer preferences. This role often involves collaborating with marketing, inventory, and sales teams to optimize product assortments and maximize profitability. Associate Merchandise Managers also monitor inventory levels and help execute promotional strategies to drive sales.

How does an associate merchandise manager typically collaborate with buyers and planners to develop effective product assortments?

As an Associate Merchandise Manager, you will regularly work with buyers to analyze sales data, review market trends, and identify opportunities for new products or adjustments to existing assortments. Collaboration with planners is essential for managing inventory levels, ensuring that merchandise aligns with financial targets and promotional calendars. This role requires strong communication and analytical skills, as you'll be part of cross-functional meetings, providing input to optimize the merchandise mix and drive sales growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate merchandise manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Merchandise Manager, you need strong analytical skills, an understanding of retail math, and a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Proficiency with inventory management systems, Excel, and merchandising planning software is typically required. Excellent communication, organization, and negotiation skills help you collaborate across teams and manage vendor relationships effectively. These competencies are essential for optimizing product assortments, driving sales, and ensuring smooth merchandising operations.

What is the difference between Associate Merchandise Manager vs Merchandise Planner?

AspectAssociate Merchandise ManagerMerchandise Planner
Primary FocusAssists in product selection, inventory management, and sales strategiesForecasts sales, plans inventory levels, and manages stock flow
Required SkillsProduct knowledge, communication, basic analyticsData analysis, forecasting, inventory optimization
Work EnvironmentRetail or e-commerce companies, team collaborationPlanning departments, cross-functional teams
Common CertificationsMerchandising, retail managementSupply chain, inventory management certifications

The Associate Merchandise Manager and Merchandise Planner roles both operate within retail and merchandising environments, often collaborating closely. While the Associate Merchandise Manager focuses on product selection and sales support, the Merchandise Planner specializes in sales forecasting and inventory planning. Both roles require analytical skills and industry knowledge, but their core responsibilities differ, making them complementary positions within retail teams.

What is the role of an associate merchandise manager?

An associate merchandise manager supports the planning, buying, and selling of products within a retail or merchandising team. They analyze sales data, assist in inventory management, and coordinate with vendors to ensure product availability and profitability. Strong organizational skills and familiarity with merchandising software are often required for this role.

Manager, Visual Merchandising

1915 South / Ashley

Hattiesburg, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Manager, Visual Merchandising

Join our winning team, 1915 South, as our Manager, Visual Merchandising. 1915 South owns and operates 30 Ashley stores and 3 distribution centers across the southeast, including locations in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Virginia. Our company is focused on employee growth and development, providing exceptional customer service and being passionate about what we do! If you want to take your career to a new level of professional success with the #1 Furniture Brand in the world, complete an application with us today!

Position Summary:

The Visual Manager executes and scales the company's visual merchandising strategy across assigned store locations, with a strong focus on supporting the selling process and driving sales. Partnering closely with the Senior Director of Visual Merchandising, this role ensures visual strategies are implemented consistently and in alignment with merchandising priorities. This leader balances hands-on execution with leadership influence, ensuring layouts, galleries, and product placement elevate the guest experience while reinforcing selling strategies, product priorities, and guest flow.

Job Duties:

          Lead CAD planning and showroom layouts for assigned stores, ensuring layouts support product priorities, customer flow, and selling effectiveness.

          Personally execute visual plans in assigned stores while also CAD planning and guiding execution for additional stores led by other Visual Associates.

          Ensure visual execution directly supports the selling process, enabling sales teams to tell product stories and close sales.

          Partner closely with store sales leadership to align visual changes with selling strategies, key product focuses, and traffic patterns.

          Execute visual strategies and standards developed by the Senior Director of Visual Merchandising with consistency and attention to detail.

          Provide direction, coaching, and feedback to Visual Associates to ensure brand-right, sales-driven execution.

          Support rollout of new assortments, seasonal transitions, floor sets, and merchandising initiatives.

          Monitor execution quality across assigned locations using structured review processes and digital tools.

          Analyze product and store-level performance with Merchandising to inform layout adjustments and product recommendations that drive sales and improve showroom productivity.

          Communicate execution insights, challenges, and opportunities back to Visual and Merchandising leadership, adjusting layouts based on sales performance and customer behavior.

Required Qualifications:

          Education: Bachelor's degree in Visual Merchandising, Interior Design, Retail, or related field, required. Equivalent relevant experience accepted in lieu of a degree.

          Experience: 2-4 years of visual merchandising experience, required, ideally in a multi-store retail environment.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements:

          Physical Demands: Ability to safely lift, move, and position furniture and fixtures. Stand for extended periods of time. Travel (up to 50% of Time)

          Work Environment: Retail Floor/Office

          Schedule: Weekdays; Weekends, as needed.

Why 1915 South?

          Compensation: Competitive salary with performance-based bonus and long-term incentive (LTIP) eligibility

          Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package for you and your family, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance

          Paid Time Off: Paid vacation and sick leave

          Retirement: 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions

          Tuition Assistance: College tuition support through Thomas University

          Employee Discounts: Generous employee discounts on furniture

          Career Development: Long-term career advancement opportunities with a strong promote-from-within culture. Many of our leaders at 1915 South began their careers here- when you join us, you're not just taking a job, you're building a future!