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Field merchandiser vs visual merchandiser

The differences between field merchandisers and visual merchandisers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a visual merchandiser has an average salary of $38,037, which is higher than the $31,495 average annual salary of a field merchandiser.

The top three skills for a field merchandiser include sales floor, store management and store associates. The most important skills for a visual merchandiser are customer service, ladders, and sales floor.

Field merchandiser vs visual merchandiser overview

Field MerchandiserVisual Merchandiser
Yearly salary$31,495$38,037
Hourly rate$15.14$18.29
Growth rate1%10%
Number of jobs115,63274,351
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

What does a field merchandiser do?

A field merchandiser is in charge of distributing and selling a company's products in retail stores and similar establishments. Their responsibilities include offering products and services to customers, devising sales strategies, developing sales programs and promotions, and maintaining a clear and active communication line with retailers. They must also arrange product displays to attract customers, remove damaged or expired goods, and even conduct product demonstrations. Moreover, a field merchandiser must produce regular sales and progress reports, coordinating with managers should there be any problems.

What does a visual merchandiser do?

A visual merchandiser is responsible for arranging product displays at retail outlets, attracting customers to purchase the items. Visual merchandisers should be updated with the latest trends in the market to prioritize retail displays and floor plans. They must also be knowledgeable on product information to assist customers with their inquiries and concerns. Visual merchandisers should be creative in setting up the uniformity of the store's visuals within the budget goals. The designs must be appealing enough to drive the customers around the premises, potentially generating revenues and increasing profitability.

Field merchandiser vs visual merchandiser salary

Field merchandisers and visual merchandisers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Field MerchandiserVisual Merchandiser
Average salary$31,495$38,037
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $40,000Between $27,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityUnion City, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyFruit of the LoomRH
Best paying industryManufacturingRetail

Differences between field merchandiser and visual merchandiser education

There are a few differences between a field merchandiser and a visual merchandiser in terms of educational background:

Field MerchandiserVisual Merchandiser
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common majorBusinessSpecialized Sales And Merchandising
Most common college--

Field merchandiser vs visual merchandiser demographics

Here are the differences between field merchandisers' and visual merchandisers' demographics:

Field MerchandiserVisual Merchandiser
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 42.4% Female, 57.6%Male, 27.3% Female, 72.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Asian, 5.3% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Asian, 5.3% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage17%17%

Differences between field merchandiser and visual merchandiser duties and responsibilities

Field merchandiser example responsibilities.

  • Diagnose production problem and work with suppliers to present alternatives to both parties to achieve KPI (key performance indicator).
  • Manage backroom/stock room inventory by organizing pallets, stacking and storing product inventory.
  • Insure proper POS placement and product merchandising of Epson printers, projectors, scanners, inks and papers.
  • Maintain proper inventory levels and ensure proper placement of POS materials.
  • Disassemble and construct wine and spirit departments for key accounts following detail product schematics.
  • Analyze click-through and conversion rates and other online KPI's utilizing Coremetrics.
  • Show more

Visual merchandiser example responsibilities.

  • Manage backroom/stock room inventory by organizing pallets, stacking and storing product inventory.
  • Provide support to all meeting and VTC rooms.
  • Merchandise mens, ladies, kids, and accessories departments.
  • Operate audio board, PowerPoint, camera, and video switcher.
  • Assist outside vendor merchandisers (NIKE) with execution of planograms.
  • Assist with prop development and production for the 5 NYC flagship stores.
  • Show more

Field merchandiser vs visual merchandiser skills

Common field merchandiser skills
  • Sales Floor, 26%
  • Store Management, 24%
  • Store Associates, 13%
  • Plan-O-Grams, 11%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • End Caps, 6%
Common visual merchandiser skills
  • Customer Service, 25%
  • Ladders, 17%
  • Sales Floor, 10%
  • Store Management, 6%
  • Drive Sales, 6%
  • Kids, 5%

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