How to hire an apparel merchandiser

How to hire an apparel merchandiser, step by step

Here's a step-by-step apparel merchandiser hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an apparel merchandiser job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new apparel merchandiser
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an apparel merchandiser, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An apparel merchandiser's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, apparel merchandisers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of apparel merchandisers.

   Type of Apparel Merchandiser	Description	Hourly rate
   Apparel Merchandiser		$12-22
   Display Coordinator	A display coordinator manages and oversees the visual presentation of products and services. Despite having different responsibilities depending on their organization or industry of employment, it usually involves conducting market research and analyses, developing and implementing plans, communicating and negotiating with internal and external parties to secure supplies, and spearheading various events such as exhibits and shows... Show more	$12-33
   Merchandising Internship	In a merchandising internship, an intern's duties will depend on the directives of a supervising staff or manager. Their tasks may involve preparing and processing documents, organizing and disseminating files within the company, answering calls and correspondence, running errands, and participating in creating marketing strategies... Show more	$12-22

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Customer Service
   • Fashion Trends
   • Product Placement
   • Product Knowledge
   • Sales Associates
   • Retail Store
   • Drive Sales
   • Merchandise Displays
   • Presentation Standards
   • Purchase Orders
   • POS
   • Product Development

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage backroom/stock room inventory by organizing pallets, stacking and storing product inventory.
   • Use point of sales (POS) terminal to collect and dispense cash.
   • Finalize accounting day/ POS sales.
   • Disassemble and construct wine and spirit departments for key accounts following detail product schematics.
   • Assist outside vendor merchandisers (NIKE) with execution of planograms.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your apparel merchandiser job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An apparel merchandiser can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, apparel merchandisers' average salary in alabama is 30% less than in indiana.
   • Seniority. Entry-level apparel merchandisers 43% less than senior-level apparel merchandisers.
   • Certifications. An apparel merchandiser with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an apparel merchandiser's salary.

   Average apparel merchandiser salary

   $36,291yearly

   $17.45 hourly rate

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   Entry-level apparel merchandiser salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 21, 2026

4. Writing an apparel merchandiser job description

   An apparel merchandiser job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of an apparel merchandiser job description:

   Apparel merchandiser job description example

   • Work Ethic: As a Retail Merchandiser, you must have a strong commitment and dedication to building brands and elevating their presentation at retail and telling their story through visual merchandising
   • Communication: Retail Merchandisers must be able to provide clear communication in both verbal and written reports
   • Technology: Each team member is required to have a smartphone device for reporting purposes (Android OS 8.0 or higher / Apple iOS 8.0 or higher) and capture clear crisp images of products and floor space as required

   Required Skills & Experience:

   • Please note that Winston requires all US-based employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or meet the requirements for a medical or religious exemption. All new hires who are not otherwise exempt must receive vaccinations and provide proof of completion prior to their start date.
     
   • 1-3 years of retail/merchandising experience within the apparel, footwear or accessories industry
   • Ability to dress mannequins according to style guide (preferred)
   • Friendly, energetic, personable demeanor, & passion for retail merchandising
   • Strong work ethic, reliable and committed
   • Flexible, adaptable, dependable and trustworthy
   • Computer skills (Excel, Word, and email)
   • Ability to download and install an app on your smart phone, and upload reports via the app
   • Ability to lift to 25 pounds and stand on feet entire shift
   • All Candidates must sign a release form and pass a Background Check which is required for this position

   Come join our retail merchandising team and become part of creating and elevating the shopping experience at Walmart!

   To apply, check out our website and apply directly at www.winstonretailjobs.com

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right apparel merchandiser for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your apparel merchandiser job on Zippia to find and recruit apparel merchandiser candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with apparel merchandiser candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new apparel merchandiser

   Once you have selected a candidate for the apparel merchandiser position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new apparel merchandiser first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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