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Merchandiser vs sales/stock associate

The differences between merchandisers and sales/stock associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a merchandiser has an average salary of $31,051, which is higher than the $30,494 average annual salary of a sales/stock associate.

The top three skills for a merchandiser include customer service, PET and pallets. The most important skills for a sales/stock associate are kids, store locations, and store shelves.

Merchandiser vs sales/stock associate overview

MerchandiserSales/Stock Associate
Yearly salary$31,051$30,494
Hourly rate$14.93$14.66
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs109,447401,752
Job satisfaction4.4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 33%High School Diploma, 46%
Average age3838
Years of experience--

What does a merchandiser do?

Merchandisers are employees working for a retail company. Merchandisers are mainly responsible for the store's products. They curate products that are in line with the store's branding. Merchandisers create purchase requisitions and, upon receipt of the products, create displays that would attract the customers. They also ensure that the inventory of the store is well-stocked. Merchandisers should be up to date with current market trends. They should also be familiar with what customers need and want. It is important for merchandisers to know their company's branding by heart. Merchandisers should be able to create good relationships with vendors as well so that their store may be chosen for special promotions.

What does a sales/stock associate do?

Sales/stock associates or stock clerks receive shipments or goods to a store and prepare them for marketing. Their job involves checking the accuracy of the shipment, stocking items in the warehouse, and maintaining the store inventory. They are the ones who locate the misplaced stocks or relocate them anywhere. Among their minor duties are shelve arrangement, facility cleanup, and correspondence handling. Also, they help assist the unloading of the shipments to factor, warehouse, or store.

Merchandiser vs sales/stock associate salary

Merchandisers and sales/stock associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

MerchandiserSales/Stock Associate
Average salary$31,051$30,494
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $39,000Between $24,000 And $38,000
Highest paying CityRichmond, CA-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyMicrosoft-
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between merchandiser and sales/stock associate education

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

MerchandiserSales/Stock Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 33%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Merchandiser vs sales/stock associate demographics

Here are the differences between merchandisers' and sales/stock associates' demographics:

MerchandiserSales/Stock Associate
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 58.0% Female, 42.0%Male, 65.8% Female, 34.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 6.4% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 22.8% Asian, 7.0% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between merchandiser and sales/stock associate duties and responsibilities

Merchandiser example responsibilities.

  • Consult customers on Scotts products and educate them concerning the advantage and benefits over competitive products.
  • Manage jewelry stock and inventory balances accurately.
  • Manage backroom/stock room inventory by organizing pallets, stacking and storing product inventory.
  • Google Adwords, SEO, etc.
  • Carry items up and down ladders.
  • Climb and work on ladders frequently.
  • Show more

Sales/stock associate example responsibilities.

  • Supervise women's department, manage jewelry department, assist customers on finalizing purchases
  • Stock shelves with books using RF technology.
  • Scan inventory into system using a RF scanner.
  • Can operate a POS system cash register and count the money to ensure the correct amount.
  • Used in-house POS to ring up purchases in-store and by phone as well as to search national inventory database.
  • Maintain cleanliness according to regulate standards throughout the facilities, both inside and outside per organizations regulations.
  • Show more

Merchandiser vs sales/stock associate skills

Common merchandiser skills
  • Customer Service, 20%
  • PET, 8%
  • Pallets, 5%
  • Back Room, 5%
  • POS, 5%
  • Sales Floor, 4%
Common sales/stock associate skills
  • Kids, 40%
  • Store Locations, 20%
  • Store Shelves, 7%
  • Stock Room, 6%
  • Stock Shelves, 3%
  • Product Knowledge, 3%

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