Merchandising

A merchandising specialist determines the best ways to present merchandise so it will be more appealing to the buyer. This may include determining how to package the products as well as how to market the product in the way that will be most appealing to the consumer. The main goal of the merchandising specialist is to find a way to make products as aesthetically appealing as possible.

The amount of money you can earn as a merchandising specialist depends upon the industry in which you work. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals who worked in the grocery and related product wholesale industry earned a median annual salary of $43,910, while those who worked in the building material and supplies industry earned $35,850. Those who worked in management of companies and enterprises earned a median annual income of $53,750.

In order to become a merchandising specialist, you must earn a bachelor's degree in the field. Coursework typically included in these degree programs includes service marketing, mathematics for retail buying, consumer behavior, visual display, fashion merchandising, and marketing management.

A good candidate for a career in merchandising is someone with a good eye for aesthetics who is also business-savvy. Those who are interested in finding ways to make products more appealing and who have a good understanding of trends and human behavior are particularly well suited for a career in this field.