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General merchandiser vs sales floor associate

The differences between general merchandisers and sales floor associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a general merchandiser has an average salary of $30,372, which is higher than the $24,773 average annual salary of a sales floor associate.

The top three skills for a general merchandiser include sales floor, inventory management and back room. The most important skills for a sales floor associate are math, home health, and sales transactions.

General merchandiser vs sales floor associate overview

General MerchandiserSales Floor Associate
Yearly salary$30,372$24,773
Hourly rate$14.60$11.91
Growth rate1%-
Number of jobs213,261491,791
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 39%
Average age3841
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 sales floor associate do?

Salesfloor associates often work with retail establishments. They are either referred to as retail sales associates or retail associates. These associates greet customers as they arrive, assess their needs, and help them find the right products and services. Other responsibilities include operating cash registers, introducing customers to promotions and opportunities, and cross-selling products to increase sales. Also, they assist customers in getting their complaints resolved as well as with their returns and refunds. Job seekers must have excellent customer service skills, relevant retail experience, and a strong knowledge of selling techniques.

General merchandiser vs sales floor associate salary

General merchandisers and sales floor associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

General MerchandiserSales Floor Associate
Average salary$30,372$24,773
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $45,000Between $19,000 And $31,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between general merchandiser and sales floor associate education

There are a few differences between a general merchandiser and a sales floor associate in terms of educational background:

General MerchandiserSales Floor Associate
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 39%High School Diploma, 39%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

General merchandiser vs sales floor associate demographics

Here are the differences between general merchandisers' and sales floor associates' demographics:

General MerchandiserSales Floor Associate
Average age3841
Gender ratioMale, 53.9% Female, 46.1%Male, 40.6% Female, 59.4%
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, 10.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 21.3% Asian, 6.5% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage6%7%

Differences between general merchandiser and sales floor associate 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.
  • Show more

Sales floor associate example responsibilities.

  • Supervise women's department, manage jewelry department, assist customers on finalizing purchases
  • Obtain training in the operation of the POS system , 10 key, credit card transactions, accounts, etc.
  • Work with other team members to complete sales goals as well as use the POS system to complete guest sales.
  • Prepare quality food products, process accurate register transactions, maintain general appearance and cleanliness of store premises.
  • Advise customers on quality, cuts, and value of jewelry and gems and in selecting mountings and setting for gems.
  • Improve customer solicitation pitch to increase Kohl's credit card application solicitations.

General merchandiser vs sales floor associate skills

Common general merchandiser skills
  • Sales Floor, 60%
  • Inventory Management, 21%
  • Back Room, 6%
  • Stock Merchandise, 5%
  • Product Knowledge, 3%
  • Working Independently, 1%
Common sales floor associate skills
  • Math, 37%
  • Home Health, 36%
  • Sales Transactions, 25%
  • Customer Service, 1%
  • Stock Shelves, 0%
  • Back Room, 0%

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