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General Merchandiser Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merchandiser Lead

Anchorage, AK ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

This position consists of many aspects from general Merchandiser duties to delivering and collection payment from various customer accounts to include selling a route and the responsibilities.

Merchandiser Lead

Anchorage, AK ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

This position consists of many aspects from general Merchandiser duties to delivering and collection payment from various customer accounts to include selling a route and the responsibilities.

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General Merchandiser information

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How much do general merchandiser jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for general merchandiser in the United States is $17.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a General Merchandiser, and why are they important?

To thrive as a General Merchandiser, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with inventory management systems, retail point-of-sale (POS) software, and planogram tools is often required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively coordinate with store staff and address merchandising challenges. These skills ensure products are displayed optimally, stock levels are maintained, and customer experiences are enhanced, directly impacting sales and store efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by General Merchandisers, and how can I prepare for them?

General Merchandisers often face challenges such as managing inventory levels, ensuring accurate product placement, and adapting to changing promotions or seasonal demands. Staying organized and maintaining strong communication with store staff and suppliers can help address these issues effectively. Additionally, being proactive in monitoring stock levels and quickly resolving discrepancies ensures shelves remain well-stocked and appealing to customers. Familiarity with planograms and flexibility in adjusting to last-minute changes are also valuable skills for success in this role.

What is the difference between General Merchandiser vs Retail Associate?

AspectGeneral MerchandiserRetail Associate
ResponsibilitiesPlanning product displays, managing inventory, and coordinating merchandising strategiesAssisting customers, processing sales, stocking shelves
Required SkillsMerchandising, inventory management, communicationCustomer service, sales, communication
Work EnvironmentWarehouses, distribution centers, retail storesRetail stores, supermarkets, malls
Common CertificationsNone typically requiredNone typically required

While both roles are involved in retail operations, a General Merchandiser focuses on product presentation and inventory management, often working behind the scenes or in warehouses. In contrast, a Retail Associate interacts directly with customers, assisting with sales and store operations. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

What does a General Merchandiser do?

A General Merchandiser is responsible for organizing, stocking, and displaying products in retail stores to maximize sales and enhance the shopping experience. Their duties typically include inventory management, setting up promotional displays, ensuring shelves are filled and tidy, and monitoring product quality and expiration dates. They may also assist customers, process orders, and work closely with store managers to implement merchandising strategies. The role requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
More about General Merchandiser jobs
What cities are hiring for General Merchandiser jobs? Cities with the most General Merchandiser job openings:
What states have the most General Merchandiser jobs? States with the most job openings for General Merchandiser jobs include:
Infographic showing various General Merchandiser job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,836 per year, or $17.7 per hour.
General Merchandiser - Pet Beds, Pillows, Throws & Travel

General Merchandiser - Pet Beds, Pillows, Throws & Travel

TOWN & COUNTRY LIVING

Manhattan, NY โ€ข On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Description

Role Summary


The General Merchandiser (GM) is the end-to-end business owner for the product category. The GM owns category P&L performance and is accountable for strategy, assortment, pricing parameters, and in-market results. Acting as the single point of accountability, the GM leads a cross-functional pod (Product Development, Design, and Brand), working with Sourcing, from concept through commercialization and performance management.


The GM can incorporate market data, trends, and sales data to drive innovation within the product category. The GM must effectively work with various stakeholders (e.g., Sales, Finance, Operations) to communicate and execute the product strategy, aligned with the overall company and financial objectives. The GM owns deep understanding of the end consumer, retailer buyer, and customer use case, ensuring assortments solve real consumer needs and create clear value propositions.

Key Responsibilities


Category Strategy & Line Planning

  • Own and define the category strategy, including growth objectives (increasing market share), retail targets, SKU guardrails, and innovation priorities.
  • Synthesize customer, market, trend, and performance insights into a clear line strategy.
  • Lead the line planning process, ensuring alignment to brand, customer, and financial objectives.
  • Present category strategy and line plans for executive and cross-functional approval. ย Line plans will align with the new company format
  • Institutionalize learnings from in-market performance into future line plans to continuously improve category productivity.

Assortment & Market share Ownership

  • Build and maintain the assortment architecture (good/better/best, price tiers, new vs. carryover, brands vs private).
  • Understand target margins by category and ensure pricing, working with Sourcing to make product decisions to support financial goals. ย Support company margin targets by retailer, product, and brand to inform pricing decisions.
  • Partner with Sourcing and Sales to validate cost feasibility and margin integrity.
  • Serve as the final decision authority on assortment inclusion, pricing guardrails, and category trade-offs.

Cross-Functional Leadership

  • Lead the category pod, aligning Product Development, Design, Sourcing, Sales, and Brand.
  • Set priorities, timelines, and decision cadence across the pod, scheduling regular reviews with key stakeholders.
  • Serve as the escalation point for trade-offs between cost, design, timing, and customer needs.
  • Responsible for ensuring data in PLM is updated and accurate so other functions can effectively perform ย ย ย ย ย their roles.
  • Develop clear and complete Tech Packs for each collection.

Go-to-Market & Sales Partnership

  • Partner with Sales to ensure assortments meet customer requirements and market realities with the objective of driving market share across all customers.
  • Join Sales in customer meetings to present product story and support pitching programs.
  • Support sell-in with category storytelling, pricing rationale, and product differentiation.
  • Adhere to Brand DNA and ensure that product, pricing, and quality standards are met.
  • Own final assortment decisions by customer/channel where applicable.

In-Market Performance Management

  • Review ongoing performance (sell-through, margin actuals, returns, inventory health), working with Sales to make category decisions
  • Lead SKU rationalization and lifecycle decisions (discontinue, refresh, expand).
  • Feed performance insights back into future line planning cycles.

Success Measures

  • Category revenue, market share, and gross margin performance
  • SKU productivity and sell-through
  • On-time, on-margin line execution
  • Cross-functional alignment and decision clarity

Qualifications

  • Possess a creative mindset with excellent commercial and financial acumen; demonstrated P&L ownership a plus.
  • Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
  • Deep understanding of consumer product assortments and line planning, ideally in the home goods category.
  • Strong executive communication and decision-making skills.
  • Skilled with sourcing, production, design and manufacturing processes.

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree required
  • 8-12+ years of experience in merchandising, category management, or general management within consumer goods or home goods categories.
  • Prior experience owning assortment and margin decisions strongly preferred.

Requirements

ย Qualifications

  • Possess a creative mindset with excellent commercial and financial acumen; demonstrated P&L ownership a plus.
  • Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
  • Deep understanding of consumer product assortments and line planning, ideally in the home goods category.
  • Strong executive communication and decision-making skills.
  • Skilled with sourcing, production, design and manufacturing processes.

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree required
  • 8-12+ years of experience in merchandising, category management, or general management within consumer goods or home goods categories.
  • Prior experience owning assortment and margin decisions strongly preferred.