Store merchandiser vs in-stock associate

The differences between store merchandisers and in-stock associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a store merchandiser has an average salary of $37,143, which is higher than the $32,130 average annual salary of an in-stock associate.

The top three skills for a store merchandiser include in-store, customer satisfaction and retail store. The most important skills for an in-stock associate are food handling, stock room, and ladders.

Store merchandiser vs in-stock associate overview

	Store Merchandiser	In-Stock Associate
Yearly salary	$37,143	$32,130
Hourly rate	$17.86	$15.45
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	149,850	199,766
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 48%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	-	-

What does a store merchandiser do?

A store merchandiser must maximize profitability. They are responsible for studying sales trends and controlling the stock level in their store. They study their store's target demographics. They make financial presentations for their store's manager. If any production problem arises, they must quickly solve it. They negotiate stock quantities, and they supervise and train junior staff.

What does an in-stock associate do?

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.

Store merchandiser vs in-stock associate salary

Store merchandisers and in-stock associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Store Merchandiser	In-Stock Associate
Average salary	$37,143	$32,130
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $55,000	Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	Reno, NV	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	Oregon	Massachusetts
Best paying company	The Coca-Cola Company	General Electric
Best paying industry	Retail	Retail

Differences between store merchandiser and in-stock associate education

There are a few differences between a store merchandiser and an in-stock associate in terms of educational background:

	Store Merchandiser	In-Stock Associate
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 48%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Store merchandiser vs in-stock associate demographics

Here are the differences between store merchandisers' and in-stock associates' demographics:

	Store Merchandiser	In-Stock Associate
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 54.6% Female, 45.4%	Male, 69.7% Female, 30.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%	Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 21.9% Asian, 6.6% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between store merchandiser and in-stock associate duties and responsibilities

Store merchandiser example responsibilities.

Manage entire pet food recycling facility converting 9,000 tons per year from pet food to swine and poultry feed.
Maintain database of stores, displays, soda units and pallets with PeopleSoft
Service area stores with beverage product, unload pallets, distribute merchandise, remove expire merchandise.
Ring up customers using a standard POS system and promote the purchase of the store credit card to all shoppers.
Communicate internally to ASM management and externally with customers regarding project status and completion.
Organize and conduct Macys luggage seminars and bridal events.

In-stock associate example responsibilities.

Perform basic customer service skills, cleaning skills, and math skills.
Offer customer service & cashier duties while stocking wine cases deliver to the store.
Accommodate in customer service with sizing and recommending certain styles of clothing for kids and infants.
Stock overnight groceries and provide customer service
Restock groceries while providing excellent customer service for shoppers.
Support pet parents by responding on products and services.

Store merchandiser vs in-stock associate skills

Common store merchandiser skills

In-Store, 15%
Customer Satisfaction, 11%
Retail Store, 10%
Cleanliness, 9%
Basic Math, 7%
Product Promotions, 4%

Common in-stock associate skills

Food Handling, 8%
Stock Room, 8%
Ladders, 7%
Customer Service, 7%
POS, 7%
Loss Prevention, 7%

Store Merchandiser vs. similar jobs

Store Merchandiser related careers

Store Merchandiser related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Office and Administrative Industry
Store Merchandiser
Store Merchandiser vs In-Stock Associate

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs