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Merchandise buyer vs merchandise coordinator

The differences between merchandise buyers and merchandise coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes More than 10 years to become a merchandise buyer, becoming a merchandise coordinator takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a merchandise buyer has an average salary of $49,264, which is higher than the $36,658 average annual salary of a merchandise coordinator.

The top three skills for a merchandise buyer include vendor relations, purchase orders and customer service. The most important skills for a merchandise coordinator are cleanliness, sales floor, and merchandise presentation.

Merchandise buyer vs merchandise coordinator overview

Merchandise BuyerMerchandise Coordinator
Yearly salary$49,264$36,658
Hourly rate$23.68$17.62
Growth rate19%10%
Number of jobs22,29123,637
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4743
Years of experience-6

Merchandise buyer vs merchandise coordinator salary

Merchandise buyers and merchandise coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Merchandise BuyerMerchandise Coordinator
Average salary$49,264$36,658
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $64,000Between $29,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityFairview, NJNorth Kingstown, RI
Highest paying stateNew JerseyRhode Island
Best paying companyBob's Discount FurnitureNew Era Cap
Best paying industryManufacturingMedia

Differences between merchandise buyer and merchandise coordinator education

There are a few differences between a merchandise buyer and a merchandise coordinator in terms of educational background:

Merchandise BuyerMerchandise Coordinator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Minnesota - Twin CitiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Merchandise buyer vs merchandise coordinator demographics

Here are the differences between merchandise buyers' and merchandise coordinators' demographics:

Merchandise BuyerMerchandise Coordinator
Average age4743
Gender ratioMale, 37.2% Female, 62.8%Male, 27.6% Female, 72.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 6.7% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 6.9% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage15%9%

Differences between merchandise buyer and merchandise coordinator duties and responsibilities

Merchandise buyer example responsibilities.

  • Prepare the merchandise assortment plan for the company, manage the OTB and purchase the merchandise.
  • Manage open-to-buy to ensure continual flow of merchandise to stores and warehouses with careful attention to advertise events and promotions.
  • Perform allocations pulls in JDA program on inbound shipments and back-stock merchandise from distribution centers.
  • Assist in implementing the POS system and develop pricing policies.
  • Enter data into the appropriate POS systems and create new identifications for new product purchases.
  • Create open to buy, allocation buying, pricing, and direct the visual presentation of all apparel.
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Merchandise coordinator example responsibilities.

  • Manage VIP area and guests.
  • Manage all product marketing across retail, direct & social media channels for apparel and accessories divisions.
  • Manage profitability and maximize ROI for allocate marketing budget.
  • Manage e-commerce websites to maintain accurate information and maximize sales.
  • Develop and execute marketing strategies within the affiliate, SEO, SEM, email, and social channels.
  • Bag groceries and provide courtesy carry out service.
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Merchandise buyer vs merchandise coordinator skills

Common merchandise buyer skills
  • Vendor Relations, 14%
  • Purchase Orders, 11%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Apparel, 6%
  • Trade Shows, 5%
  • Product Categories, 4%
Common merchandise coordinator skills
  • Cleanliness, 32%
  • Sales Floor, 31%
  • Merchandise Presentation, 12%
  • Jewelry, 3%
  • POS, 2%
  • Store Management, 2%

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