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General merchandiser vs key carrier

The differences between general merchandisers and key carriers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a key carrier has an average salary of $32,262, which is higher than the $30,372 average annual salary of a general merchandiser.

The top three skills for a general merchandiser include sales floor, inventory management and back room. The most important skills for a key carrier are store sales, store operations, and customer issues.

General merchandiser vs key carrier overview

General MerchandiserKey Carrier
Yearly salary$30,372$32,262
Hourly rate$14.60$15.51
Growth rate1%-6%
Number of jobs213,26182,534
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 34%
Average age3849
Years of experience--

What does a general merchandiser do?

A General Merchandiser creates displays and promotes the products and services in retail stores. Among their primary duties and responsibilities include shelf placement strategies and in-store displays for maximum product exposure to potential customers. They train staff to carry out their tasks in the merchandise store effectively. As the brain of almost every decision in retail chains, merchandisers ensure every customer the best experience they can get while shopping.

What does a key carrier do?

A key carrier is primarily in charge of opening and closing business establishments. Because they are typically the first team member to come into the workplace, it is often their duty to set-up alarm systems, clean the sales floor and other areas, arrange shelves or tables, and prepare for the incoming customers. Should there be any problems, it is essential to report to the manager right away. Furthermore, a key carrier must maintain an active communication line with all co-workers while enforcing the company's policies and regulations.

General merchandiser vs key carrier salary

General merchandisers and key carriers have different pay scales, as shown below.

General MerchandiserKey Carrier
Average salary$30,372$32,262
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $45,000Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between general merchandiser and key carrier education

There are a few differences between a general merchandiser and a key carrier in terms of educational background:

General MerchandiserKey Carrier
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 34%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

General merchandiser vs key carrier demographics

Here are the differences between general merchandisers' and key carriers' demographics:

General MerchandiserKey Carrier
Average age3849
Gender ratioMale, 53.9% Female, 46.1%Male, 36.2% Female, 63.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 6.4% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 6.2% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%9%

Differences between general merchandiser and key carrier duties and responsibilities

General merchandiser example responsibilities.

  • Manage jewelry stock and inventory balances accurately.
  • Control inventory and compute pricing and enter inventory in the POS system.
  • Maintain a sterile and clean work environment and used daily math conversions.
  • Pack and fulfill web orders, setup pick-ups for delivery with FedEx.
  • Monitor and update price tags using POS program to make tags as needed for sales demands.
  • Send out transfers with packing lists, labels using Fedex and getting ready to have it send out.
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Key carrier example responsibilities.

  • Achieve and exceed store and company sales and KPI goals.
  • Used KRONOS proficiently on a daily basis to monitor staff clock in/out and to compile payroll bi-weekly.
  • Handle payments at the POS, stock the storefront as needed, and answer customer questions and inquiries.
  • Train and develop new associates on POS system, proper formatting of the store, and key sales tactics.
  • Analyze and study various reports in order to make merchandising, selling, staffing, and payroll planning decisions.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organizational standards.
  • Show more

General merchandiser vs key carrier skills

Common general merchandiser skills
  • Sales Floor, 60%
  • Inventory Management, 21%
  • Back Room, 6%
  • Stock Merchandise, 5%
  • Product Knowledge, 3%
  • Working Independently, 1%
Common key carrier skills
  • Store Sales, 21%
  • Store Operations, 18%
  • Customer Issues, 12%
  • Cleanliness, 5%
  • Basic Math, 4%
  • Math, 4%

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