What does a product merchandiser do?

An overnight stock associate is responsible for monitoring the adequacy of store merchandise after normal operating hours. Overnight stock associates load the shelves and arrange product displays as per the store's requirements during off-hours when there are no other employees and customers around. They also receive items from distribution centers, verify the order details, inspect the package for any defects, process replacements, and update inventory records. An overnight stock associate checks the validity of the items upon stocking, eliminating expired products, and notify the management for order requests.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a product merchandiser are more likely to require skills like "pet," "brand awareness," "product line," and "retail store." On the other hand, a job as an overnight stock associate requires skills like "excellent organizational," "electric pallet jack," "display cases," and "unload trucks." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

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.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, product merchandiser responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "pet," "brand awareness," "product line," and "retail store." Meanwhile, a sales/stock associate has duties that require skills in areas such as "kids," "store locations," "stock room," and "stock shelves." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

An In-Stock Associate is responsible for ensuring that the shelves of a retail store or warehouse are stocked with up to standard items and merchandise. They follow a supervising staff or manager's instructions while adhering to the company's policies and regulations, reporting problems should there be any. An In-Stock Associate's tasks will also revolve around loading and unloading shipments or deliveries, monitoring the quality and quantity of items, and operating devices such as scanners and forklifts, communicate and assist customers, and cleaning up stockrooms and shelves.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a product merchandiser is likely to be skilled in "pet," "brand awareness," "product line," and "retail store," while a typical in-stock associate is skilled in "food handling," "stock room," "loss prevention," and "good interpersonal."

A stower is responsible for scanning a product and appropriately placing it to the right shelf for customer's consumption. Duties of a stower include inspecting the item for any defects and escalating damaged items to the supervisor ensuring adequately labeled products. Other responsibilities include operating essential store equipment, adhering to the sanitary standards of the working area, and assisting customers with their concerns and inquiries. A stower should have excellent time-management skills and the ability to multi-task, especially on working with a fast-paced environment.