Merchandise analyst vs marketing representative

The differences between merchandise analysts and marketing representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a merchandise analyst and a marketing representative. Additionally, a merchandise analyst has an average salary of $67,933, which is higher than the $47,376 average annual salary of a marketing representative.

The top three skills for a merchandise analyst include powerpoint, SQL and data analysis. The most important skills for a marketing representative are product knowledge, customer service, and sales presentations.

Merchandise analyst vs marketing representative overview

	Merchandise Analyst	Marketing Representative
Yearly salary	$67,933	$47,376
Hourly rate	$32.66	$22.78
Growth rate	19%	19%
Number of jobs	38,127	217,886
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 83%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age	37	37
Years of experience	6	6

What does a merchandise analyst do?

A merchandise analyst is an individual who monitors inventory levels while following and charting the profits and sales of a store or company. Merchandise analysts are required to identify appropriate industry and product categories so that they can focus on maximizing the business of each store. They must review and analyze weekly advertisement results with team members to meet their sales goals as well as identify causes of high carryover and methods for reduction. Merchandise analysts must also use data analysis to identify markets and fine-tune merchandise.

What does a marketing representative do?

A marketing representative's responsibilities will vary on the line of work or industry. However, it is the role of a marketing representative to engage with clients and secure sales by promoting, demonstrating, and even advertising products or services. Furthermore, they must devise marketing strategies, conduct research and analysis through surveys and polls, lookout for new opportunities and trends, and coordinate with advertisers. One must have extensive knowledge about the product as well as communication skills, being that building rapport will be very useful in accomplishing every task.

Merchandise analyst vs marketing representative salary

Merchandise analysts and marketing representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Merchandise Analyst	Marketing Representative
Average salary	$67,933	$47,376
Salary range	Between $49,000 And $92,000	Between $28,000 And $77,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	New York, NY
Highest paying state	Washington	Washington
Best paying company	Macy's	Amazon
Best paying industry	Retail	Finance

Differences between merchandise analyst and marketing representative education

There are a few differences between a merchandise analyst and a marketing representative in terms of educational background:

	Merchandise Analyst	Marketing Representative
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 83%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Georgia	University of Georgia

Merchandise analyst vs marketing representative demographics

Here are the differences between merchandise analysts' and marketing representatives' demographics:

	Merchandise Analyst	Marketing Representative
Average age	37	37
Gender ratio	Male, 36.6% Female, 63.4%	Male, 46.7% Female, 53.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 10.7% White, 66.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%	Black or African American, 5.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 9.6% White, 67.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between merchandise analyst and marketing representative duties and responsibilities

Merchandise analyst example responsibilities.

Manage a team of allocation analysts who distribute fashion jewelry to more than a thousand stores
Analyze and forecast sales, manage inventory levels and determine distribution strategy to all Marshalls stores.
Manage and maintain the OTB for specific departments by preparing forecasts, evaluating performance, and maximizing profitability while minimizing liabilities.
Allocate product to the appropriate stores using JDA system.
Analyze and allocate for women's intimate apparel, and accessories.
Analyze historical POS to create seasonal profiles for all items, allowing the system to more efficiently predict seasonal trends.

Marketing representative example responsibilities.

Manage the overall voice/presence on Facebook and provide content into social applications as needed.
Achieve real growth successes employing attentive needs base services and business development campaigns utilizing amass network of legal and healthcare professionals.
Post creative and strategic posts regularly to the company's Facebook and Instagram pages.
Create PowerPoint presentations of the performed market research about the consumer electronics industry and the imminent competition.
Review payroll entries for accuracy and resolve issues if need.
Perform layout of classify section in InDesign each month and assist editorial department with proofing.

Merchandise analyst vs marketing representative skills

Common merchandise analyst skills

PowerPoint, 14%
SQL, 8%
Data Analysis, 7%
Digital Marketing, 5%
Gross Profit, 5%
Logistics, 4%

Common marketing representative skills

Product Knowledge, 19%
Customer Service, 14%
Sales Presentations, 5%
Life Insurance, 4%
PowerPoint, 4%
Business Development, 4%

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Merchandise Analyst
Merchandise Analyst vs Marketing Representative

Updated January 8, 2025

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